Potato industry calls for action to drive more growth

The issues were discussed at the Potato Industry Growth Summit, jointly organised by GB Potatoes and the National Potato Innovation Centre in London. The event brought together growers, processors, packers, retailers, researchers and policy-makers.

GB Potatoes chair Alex Godfrey said water security was the sector’s biggest priority, with growers needing greater flexibility to store winter water for use during dry periods.

“The key ask of government is to clear away obstacles to building reservoirs, both in planning permission and abstraction rules,” he said.

Godfrey said planning rules were inconsistent between local authorities, while abstraction applications could take months to process.

He also called for potatoes to receive stronger support from government and retailers as consumption continues to decline.

“We are in a steadily declining market. There is more we can do to help people understand what a brilliant product the potato is and encourage them to eat more of it,” he said.

He criticised government messaging that could discourage consumption and said public procurement should do more to support British-grown potatoes.

Other priorities identified at the summit included strengthening plant-health services, ensuring research addresses industry needs and providing greater policy certainty.

Godfrey also called for a consistent regulatory framework for precision breeding across Great Britain, with potential traits including resistance to drought, viruses and PCN.

Skills were another key concern, with the industry seeking to build a stronger pipeline of new entrants.

Godfrey highlighted the Potato Industry Development Programme, which has brought together 14 people entering different parts of the sector.

“The energy of that group is phenomenal. I was absolutely refreshed by the quality and enthusiasm of people coming into our industry,” he said.