Potato Days UK, a new, free-to-attend field demonstration and exhibition, will be offering a quality line-up of some 25 speakers in its professional programme of talks and panel discussions.
In addition to networking and knowledge exchange, visitors from across the entire potato production value chain will be able to view machinery demonstrations and research plots as well as indoor and outdoor exhibits from nearly 100 companies at the event held on 4 and 5 September at Nocton in Lincolnshire, the heart of the UK Food Valley, and hosted by Dyson Farming.
High-Profile Speakers to Address Policy and Sustainability
Former DEFRA Minister, George Eustice, who farms in Cornwall and now acts as advisor for Emerald Research, will join speakers from across the potato industry in a session on policy and practice.
The programme session also includes Grace O’Dwyer from HSBC, James Young of McCain, and Debbie Winstanley of CUPGRA, who will debate the effect of policy on future practices and how this can contribute to sustainability and efficiency. Mark Taylor, influential industry leader and Chair of GB Potatoes, will lead the discussion.
Focus on Innovation: Machinery, Automation, and AI
Held on the dedicated “DLG Expert stage” over the two days, other themed sessions will cover machinery, automation and AI, the impact of net-zero, and the effect of climate change on potato growing. Leading academics, potato growers, processors, and advisors are among the speakers.
Opportunity for Networking and Knowledge Exchange
“Potato Days UK is a comprehensive – one-stop – deep dive into the latest innovation and research in this essential sector,” says Greg Smith, representative for UK & Ireland, DLG (German Agricultural Society), the creator and organiser of Potato Days UK.
“Our programme of talks and panels offers visitors the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and experts as well as contribute to discussions on the major issues facing potato production in the future. Importantly, the event gives visitors the chance to network with their peers and make new connections.”
Promoting Progress and International Cooperation in Agriculture
Dedicated to furthering progress in agriculture, the DLG is an international, non-profit society that offers practical platforms—like Potato Days UK—for farming professionals to promote efficient decisions for their farms.
“This sentiment runs through all that we do and includes promoting science, research, education, and international co-operation. Our programme at Potato Days UK—made by farmers, for farmers—reflects this core value,” adds Smith.
Collaborative Effort by Leading Industry Organizations
DLG’s professional programme has been put together by experts from UK Food Valley, GB Potatoes, University of Lincoln, and Dyson Farming Research.
Taking the partner lead, Effie Warwick-John of UK Food Valley, stated, “The potato sector is a vital part of our region’s agriculture and makes a significant contribution to the economy. We are at the epicentre of potato growing in the UK with many top farmers and growers, processors, machinery, and equipment manufacturers close by. Potato Days UK is an exciting opportunity to bring the industry together, in the ideal setting of Nocton farm, to learn and share knowledge.”
Live Demonstrations and Trial Plots Highlight Technological Advances
Held on 20 hectares, Potato Days UK is organized by the DLG together with event partners Dyson Farming, GB Potatoes, the British umbrella organization for the potato industry, AVR, Dewulf, GRIMME UK, McCain, the University of Lincoln and UK Food Valley, the network for innovation in the food industry.
Taking place on both event days, live harvesting demonstrations are performed by machines from AVR, Dewulf, Grimme, and Standen. Crop handling and loading will be demonstrated by AVR, Dewulf, Downs, and Grimme.
Showcase of Innovative Crop and Agronomy Methods
A select group of exhibitors have planted trial plots that feature new technologies in weed reduction, crop protection and inputs, different varieties, and innovative irrigation systems. The crop trials offer visitors the opportunity to inspect crop and agronomy methods in detail. The Nocton Farm venue is owned by Dyson Farming, an innovative farm company in the UK.
Free Registration for Potato Cultivation Professionals
Interested potato cultivation professionals can visit Potato Days UK free of charge by registering in advance. Register here.
DLG’s Commitment to Global Potato Industry Engagement
The DLG, as part of its non-profit objective of offering local know-how to farmers, has been organizing a number of successful trade fairs for the potato industry. DLG is the organizer of PotatoEurope in the Netherlands and Germany, the international potato industry field exhibition. PotatoEurope takes place annually, cycling between four countries: Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The event covers potato cultivation and processing, including trial fields and machinery demonstrations.
Source: DLG
Media contact
Malene Conlong
+49 69 24788-213
m.conlong@dlg.org
Images: Credit DLG
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