The health and reputation of a Scottish industry worth around £100 million a year depends on the work of “tattie roguers” - and it needs more of the potato disease police.
Scotland’s Rural College Campus in Aberdeen is looking for any "rogues" to complete a five day course in June and successfully identify potatoes with disease.
The agricultural college is looking for people with the skills, senses and stamina to identify plants with diseases and root out the threats.
In June this year, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will be training the next batch of the potato disease police. The course at the Aberdeen Campus is scheduled to run from 19 – 23 June.
Innes Jessiman, Potato Consultant with SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), said, “Small teams walk the growing crops, removing any diseased plants to reduce spread. Once qualified, roguers can earn £10 - £15 an hour, depending on experience. That can equate to over £3,500 pounds in a season and with annual refresher courses it is a summer job that can last for years.”
source: farminguk.com
