Potato growers are being urged to make use of a revised version of the British Potato Council’s enterprise costing and benchmarking CD.

The CD, which will this month be posted to over 600 registered growers who attended a BPC workshop, has been updated to reflect the 10% increase in variable costs over the past 18 months and 20-30% rise in electricity costs.

“It enables growers to compare their potato crop confidentially, both with other enterprises on their farm, and with production costs and business performance of the sector average, minimum, maximum and top 25%,” said the BPC’s Phil Bradshaw.

A colour-coding system is used to highlight whether costs are okay, or they require varying levels of attention.

“By understanding costs growers will be able to identify their business strengths and weaknesses and improve their efficiency and profitability,” Mr Bradshaw said.

Once data (including farm costs, cropping and account data) has been entered, it can also be used to see how new scenarios – such as a new contract – would affect business performance.

Interested growers or supply groups should contact Phil Bradshaw on 07776 492274 for more information.