Lincolnshire expert to address Scottish potato industry

02 July 2007

Dr David Nelson, Field Director at Branston Ltd will close next month’s Potatoes In Practice conference by presenting his paper on how the industry can best adapt to climate change.

As well as climate change, Dr Nelson’s presentation — Environmental pressures on the Potato Supply Chain – will also look at how Scotland’s potato growers can limit their carbon footprint, become more ‘environmentally friendly’ and follow the latest best practice guidelines.

Taking place on 9th August, Potatoes In Practice is Scotland’s premier event for potato growers and producers. The one day mix of seminars and demonstrations is well attended by the majority of Scotland’s largest growers. Dr Nelson is one of only four guest speakers to be invited. Before Dr Nelson brings the event to a close, delegates will also hear from Scottish Executive’s Director General, Environment, Richard Wakeford.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to share my views on how Scotland’s farmers and indeed UK potato growers at large can adjust their processes and working practices to the changing environmental pressures,” says Dr Nelson. “At Branston we’re very conscious of the need for change and the impact the potato industry can have on the environment. Potatoes In Practice will be the perfect platform for us to discuss the range of environmental pressures being faced by the potato industry. Whether warmer springs, soil erosion or the carbon balance of field operations and storage, we need to understand how we can maximize yields and quality yet limit our environmental impact.”

Potatoes in Practice, which this year is being held at Invergowrie, near Dundee, is organised by Scottish Crop Research Institute, Scottish Agricultural College and CSCPotatoCare and sponsored by the British Potato Council. Over 500 people are expected to attend.