UK: Newer potato varieties see growth in planted land

Maris Piper remains the UK’s number one potato variety in terms of area grown, but has been eclipsed in terms of growth by a number of new, specialist varieties. Provisional estimates published by AHDB Potatoes this month show the total potato planting area increased to 116,200ha in 2016 from 114,100ha last year. The area the Maris Piper variety is grown on increased 5% from 16,600ha in 2015 to 17,400ha – the largest increase in area of all potato varieties. Maris Piper aside, the largest increases came from newer, specialist varieties, which AHDB Potatoes says are increasing popular with both purchasers and growers. The Taurus crisping variety, up 32% from 1,800ha to 2,400ha, and processing variety Royal, up 38% from 1,700ha to 2,400ha, stormed into the top 10, with the planted area for both up by more than 500ha on last year. The Brooke crisping variety jumped 17 places to 26 with an increase of 114%. The Nectar packing variety also climbed seven places to 11th with a 49% increase in area grown. Full article. Related article