Farmers are invited to a potato event at Perth Racecourse next month. The SAC-run event will see the maiden speech by their new lead potato researcher and consultant Dr Phil Burgess.

He will use his first appearance to highlight the importance of collaboration within the industry.

Dr Burgess has been employed by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the James Hutton Institute and SASA.

Dr Burgess said his role was “all about putting cutting-edge research rapidly into practice”.

He added: “Collaboration between the three leading organisations in Scotland, drawing on their expertise in research, consultancy, diagnostics, knowledge exchange and regulation, creates a powerful whole which will help lead the industry forward as it continues to face a number of challenges, including the pressure to produce more sustainably using fewer pesticides and the market challenges post-Brexit.”

Other speakers include Philip Wright from Wright Solutions, a specialist in agricultural machinery and systems who will examine which cultivations best suit potato root development.

Also speaking will be independent potato agronomist Denis Buckley, who will advise on how growers can address a loss in pesticides to sustain yield and quality.

Two workshops, on virus control and management and on haulm destruction, will also be held on the day.

The 21st annual conference of the SAC Association of Potato Producers takes place at Perth Racecourse, Scone Palace Park on Wednesday 29 January 2020 (9.30am-4pm).