Good quality seed potato helps maintain profit for growers

Whilst most potato growers dont have the luxury of choosing which variety to grow, buying the best quality seed available could help maintain profit margins, says Potato Council head of seed and export Mark Prentice.

On-stand at Fruit Logistica (Berlin, February 9-11), Mr Prentice will be talking to the international potato seed industry about the benefits of purchasing seed grown within the GB Safe Haven Certification Scheme.

Set up to create a secure supply chain, it offers enhanced protection from bacterial disease, he will explain. In addition, seed potatoes for export are inspected to ensure they meet the tolerances of the appropriate national class and any additional requirements of importing countries.

With 60 per cent of seed area cultivated in Britain now within the Safe Haven scheme, there is a wide choice of varieties including all the main commercial varieties as well as a range of heritage/landrace varieties with special appearance and taste characteristics.

Potato Council is always happy to meet with officials of importing countries to ensure their requirements are clearly understood and met by seed potato classification arrangements and inspections, says Mr Prentice.

He also encourages the industry to research potato varieties by visiting the Potato Council website (www.potato.org.uk/varieties).

The database contains information on more than 200 varieties and there is also information in French, Russian, Spanish and Arabic, he says.

It features independent details of variety characteristics, parentage and resistances for traditional and new varieties that are being trialled by breeders all over the world in a range of different climates.

I strongly recommend all growers use this resource as it can help them build their business with confidence.

Visitors to the show who bring a copy of the latest Potato Council World Service newsletter to the Potato Council stand at Fruit Logistica, (stand B-06, Hall 21) can enter a draw to win admission into the highly regarded 2011 British Potato Event, the industry gala dinner and one nights accommodation for two at the event hotel.

Those unable to attend Fruit Logistica can also register for the Prize Draw on-line on the World Service page www.potato.org.uk/department/export_and_seed/import_information

The winner will be announced after the event and published in the next edition of World Service.

Potato Council is a division of Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).