Drought Alert: GB Potatoes Takes Action on Water, Seed Protection, and Skills

Strategic Insights -

Food security in the potato industry is under pressure as the UK officially declares drought a nationally significant incident. GB Potatoes is taking immediate action to address the crisis, focusing on water, seed protection, and skills development to ensure the sector remains resilient. The drought has exposed the fragility of the food supply chain, particularly for Scotland's most valuable crop, potatoes. Growers across the country have had mixed experiences, with some benefiting from irrigation while others struggle with low rainfall.

Key Takeaways:

  • GB Potatoes has launched the Potato Industry Development Programme in partnership with the British Potato Trade Association to develop the next generation of industry professionals, with a full journey from mini-tuber production to the supermarket basket. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • Applications for the programme far outstripped available places, and another intake is planned for 2027, with the first group scheduled to visit Scotland in June 2024. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • GB Potatoes has joined Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd (HCP) to utilize AHDB's grant secured from the remaining Potato Levy funds, supporting the extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) and Emergency Authorization (EA) applications for crop protection. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • A Technical Working Group, supported by GB Potatoes, has been established to drive the effort, with a Potato Risk Register central to identifying key pests and disease threats for prioritizing EAMU and EA applications. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • The seed potato sector relies heavily on high-grade seed, with GB Potatoes acknowledging that without it, the entire supply chain suffers. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • Seven residual levy fund projects are progressing, including the Fight Against Blight website and the CIPC residue project, both focused on managing disease risk in potato production. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • PR firm Jane Craigie Media has been appointed to manage the industry's reputation and promote positive potato stories, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the crisis. (Ref:RH280723033)

Statistics:

  • GB Potatoes has secured a grant from AHDB to support the extension of EAMU and EA applications for crop protection. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • The Potato Industry Development Programme has seen an overwhelming response, with over-subscribed applications for the first intake scheduled to visit Scotland in June 2024. (Ref:RH280723033)
  • The seven residual levy fund projects have secured funding to manage disease risk, regulatory, and reputational risks in potato production. (Ref:RH280723033)

Sources:

  • Ref:RH170420953 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer
  • Ref:RH280723033 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer