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Potatoes In Partnership - Three July Field Events For Potato Growers And Their Staff

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N55
Published: 14 Jul 2010

Three SAC specialist events for potato growers will take place between 22nd and 28th July on farms in E. Lothian, Angus and Aberdeenshire.

Organised in conjunction with industry development body, the Potato Council, they are:

  • Thursday, 22nd July, Luffness Mains, Aberlady, E. Lothian. EH32 0PZ
  • Tuesday, 27th July, Gilchorn, Inverkeillor, Arbroath. DD114UP
  • Wednesday, 28th July, Sauchenloan, Fishford, Colpy, Aberdeenshire. AB51 8YP

and will feature field demonstrations and discussion on a range of topical industry issues. Much of the information available at “Potatoes in Partnership” is the result of Scottish Government-funded research and development programmes for potatoes and presented through SAC’s ‘Success through Knowledge’ campaign.

The three Potatoes in Partnership events are true to their name. They represent a partnership between host farmers and the researchers, who themselves work in partnership across different research institutions. In addition to SAC there will be speakers from SCRI and Scottish Government scientists.  SAC’s strong relationship with the Potato Council also helps underpin a well-respected series of meetings.

At each of the host farms there will be morning and afternoon sessions, offering busy farmers and their staff the maximum opportunity to come along. The short, sharp, focussed discussions, led by SAC experts, will cover the latest research results on blight and potato cyst nematode. There will be sessions on biosecurity, aphid and virus control, powdery scab and the latest diagnostic testing techniques. With seed a major input cost, information on optimising seed rates will offer help over requirements to optimise crop output.  There will be a strong emphasis this year on the financial effectiveness of crop protection decision-making.

Organiser Stuart Wale of SAC expressed his gratitude for the co-operation given by the host farmers, Allan Stevenson of Luffness Mains, Aberlady; Guy Stirling, Gilchorn, Inverkeillor and Ian Cruikshank of Sauchenloan, Fishford, Colpy. He also stressed the interactive nature of the three events.

“These are not events where you just come and listen. The best way to learn new things is through discussion and debate, based on experience. That way the researchers get feedback on research as much as the growers hear about new techniques. It has worked well in the past and we believe it will work well again this year.”

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Drummond Todd (Potato Council) on 0131 472 4062 or Sandra Chalmers (SAC) on 01224 711080.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Stuart Wale
Team Leader
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate,
Aberdeen
AB21 9YA
TelWork 01224 711213

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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