Representing a significant proportion of the Scottish potato industry, with members drawn from the country’s agronomy, seed and pre-packing sectors, as well as a number of seed and ware growers, the Potato Sub-committee ensures that the technical staff of The James Hutton Institute are fully informed and up-to-date with all of the technical, commercial and political pressures facing potato growers today, whilst also keeping the industry briefed on the existing and proposed research work at the institute.

The changing emphasis of government funding for research and the need to ensure end-user relevance, gives the committee a significant voice in discussions with the Scottish Government, Potato Council and others; in addition, the committee itself can provide moderate levels of funding to initiate research into areas of immediate concern to the Scottish industry before such work can be developed into full work packages appropriate for higher level funding.

Reports

Reports from events organised or supported by the sub-committee can be found below.

• Winter Meeting 2011
• Winter Meeting 2009
• PDF file: Potatoes in Practice 2009 Field Trials Results Summary (409 KB)
• PDF file: Potatoes in Practice 2008 Field Trials Results Summary (218 KB)
• PDF file: Potatoes in Practice 2007 Field Trials Results Summary (401 KB)

Meetings

Meeting twice a year at The James Hutton Institute, the Potato Sub-committee has introduced an open session following its winter meeting, which all members are encouraged to attend.

Topical subjects are addressed in depth by researchers and key industry representatives giving well-informed, practical information to growers. Key topics covered in recent open forums have involved TRV Spraing, PCN, Environmental Impacts of Potato Production and Market and Consumer Trends. Member visits to key industry facilities have also taken place, with more planned in future.

The Potato Sub-committee’s main field event has grown significantly from the days of a simple field walk; with the involvement of Potato Council, SAC and several commercial companies, this has grown into Potatoes in Practice, the UK ’s premier outdoor potato event held each August.

Contact details

The Committee is currently chaired by Alistair Redpath (who also sits as a representative on the BPC Research and Development Committee) and The James Hutton Institute’s senior potato researcher, Finlay Dale is secretary.

Chairman

Alistair Redpath
Chief Executive
Pseedco Ltd.
9 Inveralmond Way
Perth
PH1 3UQ
Tel: 01738 445999
Email: aredpath@pseedco.co.uk

Secretary

Finlay Dale
Genetics
The James Hutton Institute
Invergowrie
Dundee
DD2 5DA
Tel: 01382 562731
Email: Finlay.Dale@hutton.ac.uk