SCOTLAND'S potato growers will gather at Perth Racecourse on Wednesday 20 January with the decline in fresh potato consumption on their minds. In addressing the downward trend in sales they will focus on product promotion and how high-tech precision farming methods can be used to produce potatoes fitted for more sophisticated consumer needs.
The issues of falling demand affect both the pre-pack fresh market and Scotland's world renowned seed industry.
With more and more options on the shelves, and changing appetites, consumers no longer buy as many potatoes as they once did. Research by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs) has found that household purchases of fresh potatoes in 2013 were 20 per cent lower than 10 years ago, and this is something producers cannot ignore.
At the event John hicks of high-profile Scottish company Albert Bartlett potatoes will discuss the branding and promotion of potatoes, something his company has been very successful at. Meanwhile Nick White, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs with industry body AHDB will outline how growers can support their current campaign; "Potatoes: More than a bit on the side."
The spotlight will then shift to production. Simon Fox of Emerald CropScience will discuss fertiliser recommendations and how growers can optimise crop growth, nutrient use and maximise marketable yield. He will outline how applying fertilisers through leaf sprays can be a more efficient way to apply plant foods.
Like other farmers, potato growers face increasing challenges as many of the products used to control pests and diseases are withdrawn from use. At an interactive workshop a team of specialists will challenge the audience to think laterally about how to cope in these constantly changing time.
One solution may be "precision farming, which will be a key theme in the afternoon. Delegates will hear from a number of key speakers who will describe the latest measuring and sensing techniques and automation to help maximise the efficient use of inputs like fertilisers, as well as the potential of agricultural drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles).
To book a place at the conference contact Janis Forrest on 0131 603 7525 or janis.forrest@sac.co.uk.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 456 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 251.6p per kg and an average of 208.6p, while 128 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 268.6p and levelled at 213p. Fifty-seven store, B&W bullocks sold to 150.5p and levelled at 142.2p.
In the rough ring 116 beef cows averaged 116.8p and 19 dairy cows levelled at 85p.
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