News on The Potato Supply Chain from United Kingdom

Up to a sixth of the UK's potato production could be lost as a result of an EU directive on pesticides, an expert said yesterday.Rob Clayton, of the Potato Council, based his warning on the effects of removing several chemicals essential in keeping pe...

Three major growers have set up a new potato farming company in Herefordshire. Faced by three bad seasons and difficulty in maintaining high standards in the packing trade, they have decided to change direction in marketing. The new company, Process...

For years, healthful-food advocates have said organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown. But that claim — trumpeted on the Web sites of organizations ranging from the national Organic Trade Association to the Seattle-based PCC Natural ...

Fresh potatoes take a starring role and inspire families to build them into their weekly meal repertoires.Thanks to its innovative ‘Me for a Day’ life swap experiment, which was captured on film and has been airing nationally, the Potato Council’s camp...

Organic food is no healthier than ordinary food, a large independent review has concluded.There is little difference in nutritional value and no evidence of any extra health benefits from eating organic produce, UK researchers found. The Food Standard...

The Agency is today launching a consultation on its proposals to introduce voluntary recommendations for food manufacturers for reductions in saturated fat and added sugar and increased availability of smaller single-portion sizes in a number of key ...

A new option for automation of the weighing and bagging of potatoes is being provided through a joint initiative by Tong Peal and Pacepacker Services.  The two companies are working together to offer machinery that combines the Tong Peal electronic w...

The Potato Council’s estimate of total potato plantings for 2009 has been updated from the provisional end-June area of 129,100 ha to a revised figure of 130,268 ha.This is very close to the final published figure for 2008 of 130,200 ha. The revised fi...

A trial of genetically modified potatoes which was vandalised last year has restarted, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.The Leeds University trial aims to grow potatoes which are resistant to a microscopic worm which stunts their growth and costs British ...

More than 80 jobs will go after potato trading company MBMG went into administration.Ian Carr and Malcolm Shierson of Grant Thornton were appointed joint administrators to the company, which has its headquarters in March, Cambridgeshire, and employs ab...

The UK government has unveiled plans to cut carbon emissions in a bid to tackle climate change.The Low Carbon Transition Plan calls on farming to reduce emissions to 6% lower than the level predicted for 2020.It suggests this should be done through an ...

Prospects for growing blight-resistant potatoes created by genetic modification have received a setback in the UK after BASF's decision to suspend research into such varieties.BASF's blight-resistant potato Fortuna was five to six years away from comme...

To tap into the growing consumer trend for nostalgic brands, United Biscuits UK , a leading UK manufacturer of snacks, biscuits and cakes, has redesigned its Brannigans range to generate extra sales. Available now, the new design draws inspiration from...

Over 200 farmers from around the country have so far taken part in the Farmers Weekly/NFU Inputs Price Monitor, giving an accurate picture of how much they are paying for a wide range of farm inputs.The Inputs Price Monitoring was launched at last mont...

Potato growers in the South of England are being warned that this weekend could see the season’s first major threat of intense potato blight pressure.Syngenta BlightCAST is predicting ‘near-miss’ Smith Periods right through Friday, Saturday and into Su...

Where would we be without the humble potato? It has a place in starters, mains, sides and even desserts. Emma White spoke to chefs and food service heads for their recipe recommendations When it comes to versatile ingredients, the potato has to be clo...

Up to 17 jobs could go following the announcement that Greenvale Foods will be shutting its potato processing plant in Wisbech by June 14.Some of the equipment and current orders will be transferred to the company's factory in Telford.A spokesman for G...

Greenvale AP’s environmentally friendly Vales Sovereign potatoes, which have a lower carbon footprint than traditional varieties, are now available to the catering sector via wholesalers. Vales Sovereigns are ideal for caterers seeking to lower their...