UK and Ireland Potato Platforms Show Promising Growth

Work on the UK and Ireland’s potato platforms has progressed rapidly in recent months, with our three sites—Barrow, Derbyshire, and Ireland—demonstrating strong early development.

These platforms are part of a broader initiative to monitor crop performance, optimize agronomic practices, and support sustainable potato production across diverse growing conditions.

Recent images from the platforms reveal a healthy emergence phase followed by five weeks of vigorous growth.  

These platforms serve as living laboratories, enabling researchers and growers to track varietal performance, disease resistance, and input efficiency. By comparing growth patterns across regions, stakeholders can fine-tune planting schedules, irrigation strategies, and crop protection measures.

The success of these platforms underscores the value of data-driven agriculture. With climate variability and market pressures on the rise, such initiatives are vital for ensuring resilient yields and informed decision-making. As the season progresses, continued monitoring will provide deeper insights into tuber formation, pest dynamics, and harvest potential.

News on the Potato Open Day at our Derbyshire site will follow soon!