BPC re-examines
BPC re-examines
seed satisfaction
By Charles Abel
ARE you satisfied with the seed potatoes you buy? To find out whether changes made by the trade after a 1999 BPC seed survey have had any effect a follow-up survey is being staged this spring.
In 1999 fewer than half the 600 farmers responding to the survey were highly satisfied with their seed supply. Poor communications and delivery procedures were a major cause of concern.
This year, the BPC hopes 80% of growers will be satisfied, following a range of initiatives introduced by the trade. Those include extra information on Scottish Office certification labels and detailed inspectors reports made available through seed suppliers.
Seed companies have also tightened delivery procedures. "One thing farmers get really annoyed about is when a lorry turns up without warning," says Neville Redman, of Nickerson Direct.
All delivery drivers now carry mobile phones to advise farmers of delivery times and also check loads with a temperature probe upon delivery. A new traceability system provides growers with more information about the seed too.
Pseedco has also changed deliveries, now giving 24 hours notice and using insulated sheeting, not straw, to protect crops in transit, says business manager Stephen Hole. Hauliers must have insulated overnight storage and must deliver in normal farm working hours.
In the 1999 survey 30% of growers who considered physiological age important were not getting the information they wanted; 22% said a lack of tuber count information was hindering panting plans; and 12% wanted more information on seed crop husbandry and chemical use.
More than 80% rated correct delivery as extremely important when buying seed, while seed free from skin diseases (90%) and blackleg (82%), and consistent size (93%) were also demanded. Many wanted tighter 5mm split grading to help plan seed rates and inputs.
• BPC survey forms are being mailed out now. Results will be available in July. *
SEEDSATISFACTION
• Under 50% highly satisfied in 99.
• Not enough seed information.
• Delivery concerns.
• Seed counts wanted.
• Changes made by trade.
• BPC goal 80% satisfaction.