Seed Potato Organisation looking for growers to sign up
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The Seed Potato Organisation (SPO), an independent co-operative for seed potato growers is now ready to go and is looking for new members to join.
Following the vote which led to the demise of AHDB Potatoes, a number of meetings were held in Scotland to discuss the merits of a successor body.
It was clear from these meetings that seed growers were most interested in such a body that specifically represented their sector of the potato industry, which might be under-represented by a new over-arching national body.
The SPO has identified four priorities of the new organisation -
Representing the views of growers.
Funding agronomy research, innovation, and services to benefit the seed sector.
Supporting the development of seed potato markets.
Ensuring the long term economic and environmental sustainability of the sector.
Outlining why he joined SPO, Rodney Harrison, an Angus-based seed grower, stated: “I joined because I feel our industry is at a crossroads.
"If we, as growers, sit back and do nothing, we could well find the industry suffers, or worse disappears.
"Joining the SPO gives me a voice to help ensure this great industry stays relevant."
Jonnie Martin, a grower from the Black Isle and SPO Board member added that the UK seed potato sector has many strengths, but to protect and enhance its global reputation it needs a united and dynamic organisation that can work in partnership with both SASA and DEFRA to ensure an efficient sector to produce a high quality seed product, one that can direct scientific research and one that can promote and further develop the health status of our seed industry at home and abroad.
The board is comprised of nine seed potato growers, as well as Dr Philip Burgess (leader of scottishpotatoes.org and technical expert) and Patrick Hughes (SAOS Supply Chain and Export Specialist).
Mr Martin said: “With a competent Board and an able Chairman, I see the SPO as best positioned to influence change and bring benefit.
"The SPO is an affordable organisation. As growers, we’re stronger together and I’d encourage all seed growers and stakeholders to join up.”
The initial cost to join SPO is £1000 (to establish the organisation, which can be redeemed in future) and an annual membership fee of £29/ha, based on the area of seed grown.
To find out more and join SPO, growers can visit https://seedpotatoorganisation.com/, email info@seedpotatoorganisation.com or call Chairman Mike Wilson on 07808 066673.
