Record attendance expected at UK potato industry showcase BP2011

Record numbers are expected at the potato industry’s event of the year, BP2011, which will be held at Harrogate in November.

Entry will be free of charge and amateur growers can attend, although the event is not designed for them.

Students thinking of careers in agriculture are particularly encouraged to attend, along with existing potato growers, packers and members of the supply chain.

The venue is the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, on November 23 and 24. Online registration is now open at www.potato.org.uk/bp2011/, where entry tickets can be obtained in advance, to avoid queuing.

Sharon Hall, head of communications for the Potato Council, says: “This year’s conference will provide a programme of interest to all sectors in addition to ample networking opportunities – the latest equipment and machinery, market information, seminars on issues such as emerging pests and diseases, the latest on R&D.

“With over 150 of Europe’s leading potato industry related companies exhibiting, there is something for everyone. Exhibitors include machinery distributors, engineering companies, seed growers, packers, ag-chem companies – everyone involved in the supply chain. Indoor stands have already sold out.”

The Glenside Group, an agricultural solutions specialist based in Scotland, will be launching a new product, made up of beneficial bacteria and fungi, to be sprayed into the ridge at the time of planting or mixed in with liquid fertiliser.

“The product forms symbiotic relationships with the potato plant, and may increase its ability to use nutrients,” according to the advance publicity.

Machinery exhibits will include a structural belt planter that, by the turn of a wheel, can plant seed potatoes sized between 25mm and 85-90mm – a breakthrough in terms of range of capacity.

The Potato Council will be demonstrating a potato-specific version of the Cool Farm Tool, a computer programme that measures the carbon footprint of cultivation and offers growers insights into how to reduce emissions and save money.

The industry dinner will take place on the evening of November 23. Tickets are £50.