Potato growers are invited to discuss the data as ex-farm free-buy prices sit £95 per-tonne lower than at the same point last year.
AHDB Potatoes will launch the Potato Data Centre (PDC) at BP2017 at Harrogate on 22 and 23 November. The tool, which allows growers and those in the supply chain to examine data on price, variety, planted area, market sector and yield, will be available on the AHDB stand at the popular ‘soil to shelf’ event.
PDC comes as prices hit a three-year low due to a four per cent increase in planted area combined with reportedly above-average yields.
Rob Clayton, Strategy Director at AHDB Potatoes, said: “The good news is that as growers and retailers continue to work closer together, a higher percentage of growers supply potatoes on contract, at a pre-agreed price, so for many high yields mean contracts are filled.
“BP2017, later this month, is an established event where these important relationships are strengthened.”
The data on PDC comes from AHDB’s annual levy return forms, as well as price information from weekly calls to growers and purchasers made by members of a recently expanded team. Access to information captured on levy forms puts AHDB in an exclusive position to provide this free service.
Mr Clayton said: “Information is presented in comparative and interactive graphs. Users will be able to pull in data on the variety and market sector relevant to them, and then compare that data to that of previous seasons to identify trends. This is a real game-changer for growers and the supply chain.”
Michael Welham, of Strutt and Park Farms Ltd, said: “As a business we have been using AHDB’s market and pricing information for a number of years. Their access to industry data and independent position makes the information they provide uniquely impartial.”
AHDB will publish a yield figure at the end of November, as lifting completes in Scotland and Yorkshire. Mr Clayton added: “By BP2017 we will have a good picture of market conditions for the season and we invite everyone to come and examine the data and discuss the market, as well as what we can offer with our team.”
For more information:
Jimmy Phillips
AHDB Potatoes
Tel: +44 024 7647 8933