Heavy Rainfall and Unpredictable Conditions Disrupt Planting and Harvesting
Scotland’s potato industry is facing significant challenges this year due to extreme weather conditions. Heavy rainfall earlier in the year has caused delays in the planting season, with the potential for further adverse weather extending the harvesting period. This unpredictability is elevating the risks for potato farmers, as they grapple with both the timing of harvests and the potential impact on export markets.
Alistair Melrose, a potato farmer based in Perth, has noted the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns. “The weather is becoming more unpredictable and unfortunately the extremes are more extreme than we’ve ever been used to in the past,” Melrose remarked. The delayed planting has necessitated a longer harvest period, which could further complicate the logistics of exporting to time-sensitive markets such as Egypt and Morocco. To mitigate these risks, Melrose’s operation has invested significantly in additional machinery to better manage the delayed harvest and ensure compliance with international deadlines.
At the recent Potatoes in Practice event near Dundee, experts discussed strategies to enhance the sustainability of potato crops amid these climatic challenges. A key focus was on managing Phytophthora infestans, a disease historically associated with the Irish potato famine. Faye Ritchie from ADAS emphasized the importance of developing alternative control methods, including genetic solutions and reduced chemical usage, to combat this persistent threat.
In addition to local efforts, the James Hutton Institute has embarked on an international collaboration with a Chinese university to advance potato sustainability research. Colin Campbell, CEO of the James Hutton Institute, highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting China’s substantial investment in potatoes as a vital national staple. This global collaboration underscores the critical role of potatoes in food security and the need for continued innovation in crop management practices.
