Scottish potato hub to tackle industry challenges

The seeds have been sown for the creation of a world-leading potato hub in Scotland, designed to give those working in the £200 million-plus industry instant access to expert advice.

The country’s three main knowledge, consultancy and research centers for the crop have joined forces on the project, which is designed to drive innovation and commercialization.

The new partnership between Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the James Hutton Institute and Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) will also aim to tackle key challenges facing the industry, including the pressure to produce more sustainable using fewer pesticides and the market challenges post-Brexit.

Professor Gerry Saddler, chief plant health officer for Scotland and head of SASA:

“It is important for our organisations to work together to identify the key challenges facing potato production and markets in Scotland, as well as its value in driving innovations which meet and solve those challenges.”

Accessible research

Prof Fiona Burnett, head of knowledge and innovation at SRUC:

“This kind of approach means that research is more easily accessible to the industry. By working with partners with a commercial focus on research innovations, and through linked consultancy services, the entire potato industry can benefit.”

Prof Lesley Torrance, director of science at the James Hutton Institute:

“I see the complementarity of the large and innovative potato research programmes in Scotland, with the diagnostic, skills and training and consultancy services available across all three partners.”