Inglaterra: West Suffolk estate to become potato research hub

The project, coordinated and co-funded by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s Potatoes Division (AHDB Potatoes), has been awarded £109,273 and will be located at Elveden Farms in West Suffolk, and will provide a unique opportunity for the industry to see the latest research innovations and practical science in action.

The site will promote improved business and agricultural productivity and resource management, alongside providing a space for knowledge exchange and collaborative working.

Elveden Farms is a world-class producer and purveyor of local and regional food excellence with a reputation for wildlife conservation, in harmony with sustainable farming practices - making it the ideal location to establish a Strategic Potato (SPot) Farm.

The SPot Farm is a practical, farmer-driven project which is all about giving growers the confidence to implement changes on their own farms. It builds on a wealth of evidence based upon AHDB Potatoes scientific research.

"It’s not just about bridging the gap between research and farm practice. The real value lies in stimulating discussion," says AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager and project coordinator, Jenny Bashford.

"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.’’