Archive Article: 2001/08/24

24 August 2001

Answers wanted for worried spud men

When a producer growing 10,000t of crisping potatoes suggests it may be more profitable to grow the crop in Eastern Europe and ship it back to UK buyers, its time for serious thinking.

The farmer blames government policy and market conditions for this latest look at exporting our industry.

Currency pressure is forcing ever-lower prices and strict production protocols seem irrelevant for imports. High labour costs and cumbersome environmental legislation also hinder home production.

So what can be done? That will be a key question at the BPC Potato 2001 event at Newark, Notts on Tue 4 and Wed 5 Sept. Lets hope helpful answers are forthcoming.