WHAT: British Potato 2007
WHERE: Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate
WHEN: Weds 28 and Thurs 29 November 2007
WHO: Anyone with an interest in potatoes
Thousands of potato growers, processors, buyers and suppliers will meet in Harrogate, Yorkshire, next week for the biggest UK potato event in two years. British Potato 2007 (BP2007), organised by the British Potato Council (BPC) and sponsored by Branston Ltd, takes place at the Yorkshire Event Centre on November 28 and 29.
Everyone with a serious interest in potatoes is expected to attend the event – from supermarket buyers to small, niche producers. Comprising trade show, conference and industry dinner, it's where the potato industry does business and where the future of the British potato crop will be discussed and explored.
Here are ten fascinating facts you'll hear about at BP2007:
· Climate change could completely change how potatoes are grown in Yorkshire
· There are new pest and disease threats and potato growers will need to adapt
· For the first time ever, British consumers now believe ethics are more important than quality for a successful grocery brand
· People trust a mantra, like "five-a-day", more than scientifically-based reassurances on food safety
· 2007 was the biggest year for blight in recent history, but British growers have never done more to ensure consumers get a quality potato
· New ideas are coming into British potato stores to help reduce energy use and reduce growers' carbon footprint
· The potato sector is leading the way in implementing ingenious methods to reduce problems such as soil erosion in agriculture
· New varieties are bringing new textures and flavours to the supermarket shelf
· Confidence in British potatoes has meant leading potato brands have now committed to buying 100% British
· 5.5 million tonnes of potatoes are grown all over the UK – it's the ultimate in locally-grown produce that is lower in fat than rice and pasta and contains vitamin C
For more details, visit www.potato.org.uk/bp2007. Tickets cost just £14 each and can be purchased on the gate.
