British seed potatoes show high yields in Kenyan trials

Potato seed sent out to Kenya from Great Britain has performed strongly on three Kenyan trial sites.

AHDB and SASA have been working together to open the Kenyan market to GB seed since a bilateral agreement was signed by the Scottish and Kenyan governments late in 2016.

This resulted in well-known British varieties being exported to Kenya and planted in three different farms to assess the yield and quality, and the results speak for themselves.

Rob Burns, AHDB Head of Crop Trade Market Development:

“We are really pleased to see our seed performing so well in Kenya, although not surprised, as all these free varieties grow well in hotter, drier climates.”

“It’s particularly positive to see that three of our four varieties are performing at a similar standard or better than what’s called the ‘check variety’, which in this case is a high quality variety called Dutch Robyjin. Even Atlantic, which is not quite yielding as well, is not far behind.”

“We are also now looking into other African markets, such as Rwanda, which we will be visiting later this month on a trade mission with the Department for International Development (DFID).”

Jackie Gibson, Exports Coordinator at SASA, believes that another strong season could open up significant opportunities for exporters.

Jackie Gibson, Exports Coordinator at SASA:

“I think we are likely to see the strong results we have seen in the first season replicated in the second and if we get good yields, combined with other positive characteristics, such a better dry matter and disease resistance, we will definitely see GB varieties added to the national list.”

“After that it will be vital to translate this success in gaining market access to commercial success for British exporters through promoting the approved varieties to potential customers.”