News on The Potato Supply Chain from United Kingdom

Produce Investments (PI) acquires Biofresh Safestore, a leader in fixed crop management. Combined with Restrain’s natural sprout suppression, the move expands PI’s tech portfolio, offering flexible, innovative storage solutions across Europe and beyond.

The 'Ultimate Roast Potato' named after a much-loved film character is back on shelves after high demand. Branston says deliveries of its Nemo potato will rise 87 % this season versus 2024, bringing faster-cooking, great-tasting roasts to more homes!

The UK distributor of Algifol is to exhibit at British Potato for a second time and is running a special competition to mark 20 years of representing the seaweed-based biostimulant in the UK.

Biostimulant strategies can help potato crops better cope with field stress conditions, as well as enhance tuber numbers and proportion of marketable crop, according to results of plots at Potatoes in Practice Open Day at the James Hutton Institute.

Branston potato growers gathered in Lincolnshire to explore new varieties, including a nutty salad potato and Inca Rosa, aimed at supermarkets by 2026. The field walk showcased trials, yields, and innovations, with Tesco also backing the development.

Potato growers are urged to watch for the Colorado beetle, a pest threatening UK crops. Spot yellow-cream beetles with black stripes or red larvae. Report sightings with photos to APHA or the Scottish Government to protect biosecurity.

Potato Professionals in the United Kingdom gathered for the annual Potatoes in Practice (PiP)event, hosted by the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), in partnership with SRUC and Agrii, at The James Hutton Institute’s Baldruddery Farm.

AVR offers a complete range of equipment for potato growers – including cultivators, planters, ridgers, toppers, trailed and self-propelled harvesters, and in-store handling solutions.

Potato growers should test for nematicide residues like Nemathorin 10G before harvest due to dry conditions slowing breakdown. Follow the 119-day wait after application and use accredited labs for testing to ensure crop safety and meet standards.

Esta herramienta permitirá optimizar el uso de fungicidas, reducir costos y minimizar el impacto ambiental al ajustar los tratamientos según el riesgo real.

Aberystwyth University leads a cross-border AI project to combat potato late blight, a disease causing €4B in losses annually. The DeepDetect app will help farmers detect infections early, cutting pesticide use and boosting sustainable farming.

After a near-fatal accident at his remote home, Graham Bannister stresses the importance of emergency preparedness, rural connectivity, and using tools like satellite calling and What3words to stay safe while working alone in isolated areas.

Open Farm Sunday 2025 saw a 20% rise in host farms, welcoming 200,000 visitors. The event strengthened public connections to farming, highlighted sustainability, and inspired youth interest in agriculture. Next year’s event is on 7th June 2026.

Experts from Harper Adams University have co-authored a comprehensive new guide to managing potato cyst nematodes (PCN), updating previous advice and combining biology, control strategies, and sampling methods into one essential resource.

Potatoes in Practice, the UK’s biggest field potato event, is on 7 August at Balruddery Farm. Hosted by James Hutton Institute, it brings growers, researchers, and industry leaders together to share innovations and advance the potato sector.

UPL Corp and CERSA at NC State University hosted the Global Mancozeb Summit at Rothamsted Research, UK, gathering global experts to discuss mancozeb’s vital role in crop protection as the EU prepares to review its regulatory status.

The 2025 Fight Against Blight campaign begins with new tools to track late blight in UK potatoes, warning of evolving fungicide resistance and urging growers to stay vigilant.

More than 65 skilled workers are being sought by leading potato supplier Branston for its Lincolnshire site, as a result of its successful expansion plans.