UK: New Strategic Potato (SPot) Farm field experiments to focus on growing a quality crop

AHDB Potatoes announced today that L P Ollier & Son, Knutsford, has agreed to host a number of field experiments as part of the 2021 Strategic Potato Farm programme.

The Pickmere based farm will join the SPot Farms in Angus, North Lincolnshire, Herefordshire and Suffolk as part of a national programme of work aimed at tackling the challenges growers are facing at a local and national level.

Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager for the North of England, Graham Bannister said: “The farm will be our SPot Farm North West this year and we plan to have a host in the region over multiple years working with different farms in the area.

“This year’s theme has an emphasis on growing a quality crop, based around nutrition, storage and where appropriate, alternative IPM methods. This project will also take a closer look at in furrow treatments targeting skin finish and at how land is utilised as part of a wide rotation.”

SPot Farm trials are agreed by a local working group with input from AHDB scientists on the latest information from research projects. This will mean that over the long term the project can address some of the key themes for the region, with each new host farm able to bring their own experience and emphasis to the trials.

The programme for the four other regional SPot Farms was announced earlier in March. Each of the farms has selected at least one project aimed at protecting their crop from pests and/or disease and another focused on improving the quality of their soil. The new SPot North West project will become part of the national trials programme, with results available to all levy payers.

2021 events and meetings at SPot Farms will be confirmed after the result of a vote on the continuation of a statutory levy. The long term future of the project, where 92 per cent of attendees surveyed by the organisation say they improved productivity, costs or profitability after attending, is tied to the future of the organisation.