News on The Potato Supply Chain from United Kingdom

The government has given the green light to scientists to undertake a trial of genetically modified potatoes.Researchers will grow a trial crop of potatoes genetically modified to resist infection by potato cyst nematodes.DEFRA granted approval to scie...

Dr Rob Clayton has been appointed Director of the Potato Council, a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), following a two month spell acting as the interim director of that division.Dr Clayton has over 20 years experien...

LINPAC Storage Systems has recently completed one of its highest ever VNA (Very Narrow Isle) racking solutions at the 310,000 sq m Midland Distribution Centre (MDC) of United Biscuits situated in Ashby de la Zouch.With 18.6m high frames, pallets stored...

Last month the EU Commission approved a second GM crop for cultivation in the EU. First plantings of Amflora, for seed production, are expected in Germany and the Czech Republic this spring. Other countries with a starch potato industry include Franc...

A SCOTTISH potato processor is hoping to inject a bit of colour into meal times with the launch of Purple Majesty, a purple spud that is made for mashing and could boost health. It will produce a beetroot-coloured mash!

Potato growers should examine the market carefully before planting large acreages this spring, as they tisk oversupplying the market and depressing prices. Last season's poor prices came about as a direct result of over-supply, latest figures from the...

Potato growers are continuing to rethink their weed control strategies following the loss, or restriction in use, of some key active ingredients in the last few years and are finding new ways of using the remaining herbicide tools they have. The loss ...

Nearly half of all primary schools in the UK are getting passionate about potatoes, as the largest educational project for young children gets underway. ‘Grow Your Own Potatoes’ from Potato Council, now in its sixth year, is helping hundreds of thousa...

The arrival of warmer, drier weather has allowed potato growers in the United Kingdom to make good progress with planting, particularly in the Midlands and western regions, says the Potato Council. In Pembrokeshire, planting increased last week in ex...

A Bridlington (United Kingom) family business is celebrating winning a top national accolade in the world of food and drink.   Farmhouse Potato Bakers, who produce the Bannister's Farm range at Carnaby Industrial Estate, have won silver in The Grocer ...

Defra has approved the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)'s proposed levy rates for growers for the next financial year - from 1 April 2010 until 31 March 2011.   Potato growers will see an increase of £1.17 - from £39.00 to £40.17 ...

UK Potato growers will face a levy increase from April 1 after Ministers signed off the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) rates for 2010/11.   The levy will increase by three per cent meaning potato growers will see an increase of...

According to the Potato Council report Behind the Menu - Potatoes in Foodservice, potatoes, in one form or other, are served with 45% of meals eaten out of home and sales are estimated to be worth £2.51b. It identifies chips (french fries) as the domin...

Marks &Spencer (M&S) announces a programme to be the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015, launching 80 major new commitments under M&S’ eco and ethical plan, Plan A. The new commitments will mean we ensure all M&S products becom...

The Potato Council (PCL), a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), recorded 100 international enquiries about seed potatoes at their exhibit at this year’s record breaking Fruit Logistica exhibition (February 3rd to 5th...

Potato supplier Greenvale AP has revealed plans to install a wind turbine at its factory in Fenland.Plans have been submitted to Fenland District Council for a temporary 60-metre tall wind mast at the Flood's Ferry factory, near Doddington.A spokesman...

According to Plimsoll Publishing Ltd, the UK’s leading financial research company, 43 of the top 264 businesses in the UK Potatoes industry are woefully exposed to being snapped up as a “bargain acquisition”. Their research suggests companies that have...

Scientists in Norfolk hope to start field trials in May of a genetically modified potato resistant to blight if they can get government approval.The disease, which can wipe out whole harvests, costs the worldwide potato industry £3.5bn a year. Scientis...