Potato summit seeks radical changes to supply chain
A cross section of the potato industry is set to meet on 7th March in Westminster to help future-proof the potato supply chain.
“With representatives from retail, farming unions, trade bodies, government, packers, processors, food service and growers, this is a massive opportunity to share not only the current structural problems within the chain but to seek collective commitment to solutions” explains Rob Clayton, Director of Potato Council
“We’ve seen massive positive change over thirty years with for example less fertiliser and less water used than ever before and major innovation through brands; but without a major rethink on how profit is shared along the chain we run the risk of barely treading water while our European counterparts continue to invest and innovate making imports a continually attractive proposition”
Citing examples from the potato processing sector he acknowledged that some parts of the industry had recognised the need for investment at primary production as part of their long term supply plans but was concerned that unless new models were adopted across the piste the industry would lose vital momentum.
“I meet so many young farmers these days who when offered a management role in the family business have to think long and hard about whether the risks of growing potatoes outweigh the rewards. They often conclude that it is easier to farm without potatoes in the rotation”.
Potato Council Chairman, Allan Stevenson was optimistic of a positive outcome for the summit adding “The GB potato industry has experienced extreme production and price volatility in recent years combined with low profitability in the supply chain. Weather events have merely exaggerated this trend and consumers are now getting less than they expect in product quality and type and imports have increased hugely, damaging the GB industry
A globally respected industry has seen its ability to invest in production, storage and processing with an innovative culture damaged by a structural decline in sustainable profitability.
I felt that it would be helpful to bring together all our stakeholders to work together to examine our mutual challenges, to create a platform to take action and move forward with confidence in the future of GB potato production.”
