Just over 700 people attended this year’s Potatoes in Practice held at SCRI’s Balruddery Farm near Dundee.

Figures just released show that the biggest group of attendees were growers/farmers followed by advisors and specialists and those involved in the farm machinery sector.

The annual event features research and variety trials together with seminars, machinery and marquee exhibits.

Photograph: Field plots at Potatoes in Practice.

Potatoes in Practice is sponsored by Potato Council and features field plots and demonstrations from SCRI, SAC, CSC Potato Care and the potato industry. In a brief speech to the visitors, Mr Allan Stevenson, Chairman of Potato Council, spoke of the growing importance of the Chinese agricultural and food sector to the UK potato industry. He urged those involved in the industry to seize the opportunities that China has to offer. Mr Stevenson also paid tribute to Dr Stuart Wale of the Scottish Agricultural College. Stuart, who was one of the founding supporters of Potatoes in Practice, is to retire soon.

A spokesman for SCRI said: “Potatoes in Practice is now well established as the UK’s largest potato industry field event. Each year the show seems to grow and attract more and more interest. We have been challenged by the wet weather during recent Augusts, but it doesn’t deter the visitors. This year was also notable for the exceptional job done by SCRI’s farm staff with many of the visitors and guests commenting on the superb presentation of the field plots.”

Next year’s Potatoes in Practice is already in the planning stage. It will be held once again at Balruddery Farm in Angus on Thursday 11 August.

Read more about Potatoes in Practice 2010 on the events page.

More information from:

Phil Taylor, Head of Communications, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA Office: 01382 560044 Mobile: 07810 860 701

or

Lorraine Wakefield, Information and Online Service Officer, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA. Tel: 01382 560047 (direct line) or 01382 562731 (switchboard)