Good news for potato growers and suppliers in the East of England. Elveden Farms has been selected to become a Strategic Potato (SPot) Farm. This is a farmer-driven project which aims to give growers the confidence to implement changes on their own farms based on a wealth of evidence from AHDB Potatoes scientific research.
The real value lies in stimulating discussion, says AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager and project coordinator, Jenny Bashford: “It’s not just about bridging the gap between research and farm practice. SPot will enable everyone involved in the industry to interact, highlighting any gaps where information needs to be more available. There is also a sharing of knowledge as well as the latest research-based thinking to take back to growers’ own potato enterprises.”
The project will promote improved business and agricultural productivity and resource management, alongside providing a space for knowledge exchange and collaborative working.
It is to be based at Elveden Farms and Jenny continues: “I’m also looking forward to the experience of working with someone of the calibre of innovative farm manager Andrew Francis and his motivated team at Elveden.
“As our SPot Farm hosts, they will help us challenge conventional working practices and, using proven research, demonstrate how potato growers can benefit from applying beneficial adjustments to commercial growing systems.”
Andrew Francis, Senior Farms Manager at Elveden, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Elveden and the wider community. It will allow us to engage with the country’s best scientists and find ways of putting the research into practice.
“Through the knowledge exchange activities this experience will be available to all growers, and we will be able to lead change in the industry and look forward to a sustainable future.”
Opportunities to visit the SPot Farm site this season will be advertised at potatoes.ahdb.org.uk/events
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