Conference speakers will showcase innovation, data-led decision-making and practical solutions at the 27th annual SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) conference next year.
The event, hosted by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), will take place in Dundee on Thursday, February 5 and brings together growers, advisors and industry experts from across the UK.
This year’s programme spans topics ranging from water scarcity and irrigation resilience to international knowledge exchange and the use of potato harvest waste in textile production.
Dr Kerry Leslie, potato consultant at SAC Consulting, said: “Innovation and improvement are vital to ensure the industry can adapt and successfully overcome the challenges that it faces.”
She added: “This year’s conference programme has insightful speakers and learning opportunities that will help safeguard the future of the sector.
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“It will cover a real variety of topics, explore the latest thinking and bring producers together from all over the UK.”
The overarching theme of the conference is Driving potato production success with data and innovation.
Among the early speakers are Ren Okamura and Hiroto Sugiura of Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee Potato, who will outline their operation in Japan and share insights gained from a recent knowledge exchange with SAC Consulting’s potato team in Scotland.
Water resilience will also feature strongly, with discussion of the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) project, examining the challenges posed by water scarcity.
Gavin Prentice, senior potato consultant at SAC Consulting, will present findings on irrigation best practice and improving water resilience for Scottish growers.
Production challenges will be addressed by James Thorburn of Farewell Farms in Orkney, the UK’s most northerly commercial potato producer, while Jacob Smith of Fibe will explain how potato harvest waste is being transformed into clothing.
The conference will close with keynote speaker Dr David Kenyon, head of Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and Scotland’s chief plant health officer.
Dr Leslie said: “It promises to be a fantastic event, and I am sure it will provide great value and insight to attendees.”
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