NEWS RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE SEED POTATO ORGANISATION
Are you a seed potato grower and looking to join an organisation that will be run to benefit you and your business?
The Seed Potato Organisation (SPO), an exciting and independent co-operative for seed potato growers is now ready to go and looking for new members to join.
It has The SPO has identified four priorities of the organisation:
- Representing the views of growers.
- Funding agronomy research, innovation, and services to benefit the seed sector.
- Supporting the development of seed potato markets.
- Ensuring the long term economic and environmental sustainability of the sector.
Outlining why he joined SPO, Rodney Harrison, an Angus-based seed grower, stated: “I joined because I feel our industry is at a crossroads. If we, as growers, sit back and do nothing, we could well find the industry suffers, or worse disappears. Joining the SPO gives me a voice to help ensure this great industry stays relevant."
Jonnie Martin, a grower from the Black Isle and SPO Board member added that the UK seed potato sector has many strengths, but to protect and enhance its global reputation it needs a united and dynamic organisation that can work in partnership with both SASA and DEFRA to ensure an efficient sector to produce a high quality seed product, one that can direct scientific research and one that can promote and further develop the health status of our seed industry at home and abroad.
The board is comprised of nine seed potato growers, as well as Dr Philip Burgess (leader of scottishpotatoes.org and technical expert) and Patrick Hughes (SAOS Supply Chain and Export Specialist).
Mr Martin said: “With a competent Board and an able Chairman, I see the SPO as best positioned to influence change and bring benefit. The SPO is an affordable organisation. As growers, we’re stronger together and I’d encourage all seed growers and stakeholders to join up.”
The initial cost to join SPO is £1000 (to establish the organisation, which can be redeemed in future) and an annual membership fee of £29/ha, based on the area of seed grown.
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