Haggard Stores will host a major potato variety open day on Thursday 24 August.

Twenty chip and 27 crisp varieties will be on display on the day and attendees will have the chance to meet with 10 seed breeders from across Europe.

There will also be discussions on agronomy, nutrition and storage performances.

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Examining different varieties

Haggard Stores has been investing more and more into research in order to tackle different issues that farmers face from a reduced chemical toolbox to a need to cut back on artificial fertiliser use.

Of course, these varieties also need to meet specifications for end users, such as crisping characteristics for Tayto Snacks.

In 2022, Haggard Stores planted 28 different crisping varieties in four 50m plots. These varieties were then stored and measurements were taken on them for yield, dry matter content, tuber counts, sizes and defects.

They also measured reducing sugars, a critical factor in processing.

These results were shared with the growers and with Tayto Snacks. This year, the trials have been expanded to include more varieties for both chipping and crisps.

The event runs from 10am to 3pm at Kilmartin Mulhuddart, Dublin 15. The Eircode is D15AD79. You can register for the event at this link.