Potato Council Storage Forums to take place in East and West of England

Assess store suitability before using CIPC, urges Adrian Cunnington, head of Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR), who will be offering tips on how to follow best practice at the Potato Council Storage Forum East on March 1 and the Storage Forum West on March 2.

Mr Cunnington, who is a member of the Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Group, reminds all storage managers that CIPC residues are being very closely monitored by the Government’s Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) committee and any evidence of incorrect dosage or MRL exceedance is likely to have serious consequences for the whole industry.

“There is absolutely no room for complacency,” he warns. “CIPC is crucial and we all have a responsibility to use it properly. To date, there is no alternative sprout suppressant for use in the potato processing and chipping sector. We must keep doing all we can to ensure best practice is followed throughout the industry or we will lose it!”

Delegates attending the event will also have the opportunity to speak with industry experts such Tony Bambridge, co-founder of B &C Farming Ltd who will be examining the cost-effectiveness of storage from a grower’s perspective.

In addition, Prof Ian Toth from the James Hutton Institute will update delegates on Dickeya solani and the implications of this pest for store management.

These forums will be followed by practical workshops on topics such as store efficiency and getting the most from each kilowatt of energy, an update on the progress of a three year research project examining short and long term solutions to the problems of using ethylene to control sprouting in processing stocks and the latest research on CIPC trials in box stores.

“Understanding best practice is key to the future,” says Mr Cunnington. “This is an ideal opportunity for growers to ask questions on the issues that concern their own business.”

The Storage Forum East will take place at Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research, East Bank, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincs, PE12 9YD

The Storage Forum West Hereford Racecourse, Roman Road, Hereford, HR4 9QU