Potato growers can now go on the internet to get business advice thanks to the launch of the Potato Council’s online “benchmark business model”.
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Purple potato offers cancer cure
A new variety of purple sweet potato, dubbed a ‘superfood’, has been touted as a cure for cancer.
The new designer sweet potato has been grown for its anti-cancer purple pigment and is also said to contain anti-ageing and antioxidant chemicals.
An expert in the US has developed the variety of sweet potato with a thick purple skin and flesh to increase its cancer-fighting properties.
Soyoung Lim, a researcher from Kansas State University, said the colouring contained the chemical anthocyanin, which lowers the risk of cancer and could even slow down certain types of the disease
The potato differs from purple varieties already in the shops because both flesh and skin are purple, according to Lim.
Scientists used two strands of anthocyanin to treat colon cancer and found the pigment slowed down the growth of cancerous cells.
The specially grown purple sweet potato has a higher concentration of anthocyanin than other species of potato. The chemical, which produces purple, red or blue colours in different food, can also be found in blueberries, red grapes and red cabbage.
The high-concentration purple sweet potato is due for clinical trials next year.
Certis in potato turnaround
The range of Certis’ metaldehyde slug pellets, Trigger, Certis Metaldehyde and Certis Red, have had the use on potato crops re-instated allowing a harvest interval of just seven days.
The news follows the revocation of all metaldehyde-based slug pellets for use on potatoes in autumn last year.
Certis regulatory officer Sue Young said: “This was a result of EU harmonisation of maximum residue levels (MRLs). The MRL that was set for metaldehyde in potatoes was at a level for which no data was available that could prove use of the products would not exceed that MRL.
“We therefore had to conduct trials and produce data to show our products could be used within the label recommendations without exceeding the MRL. This has now been completed and the CRD (Chemicals Regulation Directorate) has granted approval for use of both three per cent and five per cent formulations of Trigger, Certis Metaldehyde and Certis Red, with a maximum total dose of 23.4kg per hectare for the three per cent and 14kg/ha for the five per cent pellets.”
The seven-day harvest interval for potatoes is a particular benefit, notes Certis, as other metaldehyde products currently registered for use in potatoes are all subject to a 21-day harvest interval
Potato Council offers promotional material
The Potato Council is set to help farmers’ markets boost potato sales with its high impact promotional material.
The eye-catching sales aids include 12 recipe cards, each depicting a simple dinner idea that is quick and easy to cook, as well as great value for money.
They are intended to inspire consumers to cook up more potato-based dishes.
Helen Moulton, Potato Council marketing executive, said: “We recognise that in the tougher trading conditions, small and independent retailers and farm shops need additional marketing support and this facility has been developed specifically to help them.
“The site provides an easy and economical way to produce impactful literature that will offer customers a little extra and encourage them to enjoy more potatoes – boosting sales for farm shops and suppliers.”
All material carries the Love Potatoes mark, to coincide with and maximise awareness of the Potato Council-led consumer campaign to switch families onto potatoes this summer.
Moulton added: “We know families are looking for added convenience and, in the credit crunch, want more for their money. Potatoes fit the bill and highlighting their credentials at the fixture through recipe cards and promotional literature is an ideal way to get the message across and improve sales. This site allows shops to do exactly that without incurring huge design and print costs, while helping to spread a consistent message to consumers.”
Orders for the promotional materials can be placed at www.potatoposters.co.uk
Potato Council appoints new director
The Potato Council is to get a new director following the appointment of Sandra Ziles this week.
Her role will be to lead the sector and champion the British potato industry by driving consumption and sales.
Ziles will join from Somerfield, where she is product innovation director responsible for the complete overhaul and relaunch of the high-street retailer’s own-brand ranges.
Prior to this, she was product development director for RHM-RF Brookes, a senior food selector at Marks & Spencer, and head of food intelligence for Campden and Chorleywood Food and Drink Research Association.
Kevin Roberts, chief executive of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), said: “I am confident that Sandra will do an excellent job in managing the delivery of the UK potato strategy, developed by the Potato Council board. As part of the AHDB executive management team, she will also help us to deliver the operational efficiencies and synergies demanded from the new integrated levy board structure.”
Allan Stevenson, chairman of the Potato Council board, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Sandra to the potato team. She brings a wealth of consumer-focused food industry expertise and management experience, which will be invaluable in helping the board shape the future work of the Potato Council; this is great news for our levy payers. I look forward to working with her.”
Ziles added: “I am very excited to join the team at this exciting time for the AHDB. I am passionate about farming and have a wealth of knowledge about the sector, good food, consumers and retail. This will be an exciting challenge and I am committed to making a difference and driving the potato sector forward.”
Ziles will join the team in the autumn after the current chief executive, Helen Priestley, leaves in August.