Romney Marsh, Kent, 13 November, 2014

South East Potato Day 2014

Potato Council’s fourth South East Potato Day takes place at St Mary's Bay Village Hall, Romney Marsh, Kent, 13 November, 2014. The technical event will provide local growers, agronomists and advisors with a focused programme of talks from industry experts.

Hot topics on the agenda include the latest on driving consumption, minimising waste, maximising water utilisation, and specific regional agronomic challenges.

Potato Council’s head of knowledge transfer Philip Burgess says, “The South East is an important growing area for potatoes with over 3,000 hectares planted last year by c.130 professional growers.”

“The event has been designed to examine specific topics of interest to local growers, to help them tackle new legislation and meet the ever-increasing demands for quality.”

After registration from 10.00am, Dr Rob Clayton, director of Potato Council will open the event. The morning includes Ken Smith from ADAS who will discuss management recommendations for tramlines and wheelings in potatoes and recommend practical techniques for improving water utilisation and reducing soil runoff.

Jan Hookey from the Environment Agency will address local challenges, specifically best practice to protect ground and surface waters and will focus on guidance for minimising pesticide and nitrate pollution.

While WRAP’s Karen Fisher will explore areas where supply chain waste can be minimised and efficiency improved to maximising potato profits.

Attendees will have plenty of opportunity for discussion and networking over an informal lunch before the afternoon sessions commence with Potato Council’s marketing manager Kate Cox presenting the challenges ahead for potato market and what growers and supply chains can do to drive consumption.

Local independent agronomist Graeme Skinner will provide a technical overview, where there will be plenty of opportunity to raise topics that are of specific local interest.

To register for this event please Register Online at http://www.potato.org.uk/events or contact Miya Kotecha on 0779 220 9919 or email: miya.kotecha@potato.ahdb.org.uk

Publication date: Wed 29 Oct 2014