AHDB Potatoes Integrated Crop Management Treater Group

Background

The group was constituted in 2001 as the continuation of the BCPC Potato Treater Group, under the auspices of the British Potato Council (BPC). Originally the group had focused its attention mainly on chemical treatment of potato tubers. The addition of the words Crop Protection reflected a change in emphasis to include all aspects of agrochemical usage in potatoes.   The main objective of the group was to develop action plans for “putting the message across”.

Key Aims:

• To improve standards of crop protection for the sustainable production of potatoes
• To consult on matters of crop protection through its members representing different sectors of the supply chain and other related industries
• Provide insight into future evidence based research for the benefit of the potato industry
• To facilitate knowledge transfer through AHDB Potatoes and industry
• To discuss, develop and enable guidelines for best practice

Procedure

• The group  usually met twice a year, or as frequently as necessary, at the discretion of the chairman.
• The agenda typically focussed on a single topic, with input from one or more guest speakers.
• The main objective at meetings was to develop action plans for “putting the message across”.
• The Group's  minutes were subsequently published on the AHDB website.

Membership

• Chairman
• AHDB Potatoes delegate
• Technical secretary (receiving support from AHDB Potatoes)
• Members representing the following sectors or interest groups by invitation:
• Growers
• Seed producers
• Fresh produce (packers)
• Processors
• Agrochemical manufacturers (those with major involvement in potatoes and those with specific products relating to a topic)
• Distributors and contractors
• Machinery manufacturers
• Trade associations and special interest groups (e.g. BPTA, PPA, Assured Produce, NFU)
• Experts