GB Potatoes and Branston to Host Low-Carbon Farming Event as UK Potato Sector Gains Stronger Voice in Government Policy

GB Potatoes has announced a major on-farm event in partnership with Branston Ltd, aimed at showcasing sustainable potato production practices and advancing discussions on the future of the UK potato sector. 

The event will take place on 28 July at The Tesco Low Carbon Concept Farm in Langrick, South Lincolnshire, bringing together growers, industry stakeholders, and agricultural experts. Hosted with the permission of farmer Paul Grant, the event will provide attendees with firsthand insight into efforts to establish a carbon-neutral potato rotation system. 

Participants will explore soil health and biology, assess the impact of farming practices throughout the crop rotation cycle, and learn how available resources can be used more efficiently. The wider rotation system will also be on display, featuring contributions from Greenyard (peas), Haygate (wheat), and TH Clements (brassicas and leeks).

GB Potatoes Joins Defra’s Expert Growers Group

In a significant policy development, GB Potatoes has confirmed its membership in the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) Horticulture Expert Growers Group.

The organisation said the appointment gives the potato sector a direct voice in the Government’s horticulture growth review, which is being conducted through the Farming and Food Partnership Board. Through its participation, GB Potatoes plans to highlight key industry priorities, including production costs, water availability, plant health, research, innovation, supply chain resilience, and market growth. 

The group will contribute to shaping future horticultural policies, with GB Potatoes emphasizing the importance of potatoes in supporting food security, economic development, and healthier diets across the UK.

UK-EU Summit Delay Raises Questions Over Seed Potato Trade

Meanwhile, the planned UK-EU bilateral summit, originally scheduled for 22 July in Brussels, has been postponed following the Prime Minister’s resignation announcement. 

The delay is being closely monitored by the potato industry, as the summit was expected to provide updates on a proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK and the EU. Industry representatives believe such an agreement could pave the way for the reopening of seed potato trade between Great Britain and EU member states. 

Further clarity on implementation timelines is also anticipated once a new summit date is confirmed.

Government Farming Roadmap Still Expected Despite Event Cancellation

The official launch event for the UK Government’s new agricultural strategy, “Farming 2050: Growing England’s Future,” has been cancelled due to extreme heatwave conditions and potential travel disruption. 

Despite the cancellation, the roadmap is still expected to be published this week. The document is anticipated to outline the Government’s long-term vision for agriculture, including measures to improve productivity, strengthen food security, encourage innovation, and support a more resilient farming sector. 

GB Potatoes has stated that it will review the roadmap and provide industry-specific analysis on its implications for potato growers.

Global Potato Market Faces Weather Challenges

In an exclusive market update for members, potato market analyst Cedric Porter of World Potato Markets reported that the 2026 potato crop was planted later than last year but earlier than in the wet spring seasons of 2023 and 2024. 

While planting conditions were generally favourable, growers have since faced a combination of heatwaves and intermittent rainfall. Porter noted that weather conditions during July will play a critical role in determining crop performance, with prolonged hot weather likely to increase irrigation costs and potentially affect yields. 

Early field assessments indicate yields may be below last year's levels, although tuber numbers remain encouraging, suggesting potential for recovery if growing conditions improve. 

GB Potatoes continues to encourage industry engagement through its events, policy representation, and communication platforms as the sector navigates sustainability challenges, market developments, and evolving agricultural policy.