Potato research partnership aims to boost yields

A partnership between the potato industry and researchers is looking to deliver improved crop yields and better quality fresh produce.
Launched in March 2013, The Horticulture Innovation Partnership (HIP), aims to bring academics together with the industry in a move which could see big benefits to potato growers.
Chairman of the HIP Mary Bosley said research had to go through a number of steps before it could be used by a grower and become practical and hoped through closer engagement improvements could be made.
“Our role is to provide that collaborative platform that will bring together everyone from the research funders to the farmer,” she told the British Potato 2013 conference.
“It is all about research and helping growth and productivity. Ultimately we are helping communicate throughout the chain,” Mrs Bosley added.
The HIP receives funding from a number of organisations including DEFRA, Potato Council and Horticultural Development Council and helps to co-ordinate industry research with the Horticultural and Potato Initiative (HAPI) which is partly funded by the BBRSC.
“Our role is to provide that collaborative platform that will bring together everyone from the research funders to the farmer.”
Mary Bosley, chairman the Horticulture Innovation Partnership
“Through this closer engagement it should also hasten the translation of results into practice to drive growth,” said HIP coordinator Mark Tatchell.
HAPI supports research projects on a number of crops including potatoes with a total value of £7m.
Research projects using this funding are already under way looking at providing the potato industry with solutions to its biggest problems including, diseases, pests and sprouting.
Some of major goals next year for HIP will be helping the horticulture and potato sector to make the most of the agri-tech strategy according to Mrs Bosley
“We want to supply clear and simple information for those wanting to get involved in research so we can really push the industry forward and make the most of any funding,” she added.