Electricity prices have been the subject of significant debate across the UK lately. No more so than within potato production with suppliers facing price hikes of up to 400% to secure new supply contracts, says potato storage consultant Adrian Cunnington in his latest monthly bulletin, Synopsis.
Adrian points out that power is the major cost of storage, and with up to 3 million tonnes of potatoes going into store in the UK very soon, producers are facing energy charges of up to 80 pence per kilowatt hour, against a history of paying under 20 pence.
These prices are wholly unsustainable for current potato markets, providing a major staple food supply, Mr Cunnington writes. PSI’s bulletin provides some advice on minimising costs in the short term in the hope that the industry can work out a solution to this serious problem.
Synopsis this month also focuses on tips for store loading as harvest gets underway for maincrop potatoes with temperature reduction and curing high on the agenda. It also features the latest information for signing up to two new industry bodies, GB Potatoes and Seed Potato Organisation.
Read more of this content from Adrian Cunnington by subscribing to Synopsis at www.potatostorageinsight.com.
Adrian Cunnington can be reached at adrian@potatostorageinsight.com
