Former Sutton Bridge Crop Research expert starts support service for potato storage

A key member of the former Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (CSR) facility has taken root with a new support service for the potato storage sector.

After the closure of the world-renowned Sutton Bridge CSR facility last week, following the loss of the potato levy ballot in March and subsequent announcement of AHDB Potatoes’ demise in September, former head of site Adrian Cunnington has moved swiftly to plug the advisory gap for the potato storage industry.

He has set up Potato Storage Insight Ltd, an independent advisory and support service for the potato storage sector.

Although the loss of research activity at Sutton Bridge will take longer to rectify, PSI will be providing technical advice and best practice guidance across the industry.

He has more than 35 years’ experience working on potato storage issues and will be introducing a storage bulletin subscription, discussion groups and store management training courses.

His first training course is planned for March 15/16 at Retford, Nottinghamshire and he is offering a discount for early-bird bookings made before January 24.

Mr Cunnington said: “Providing support to the industry through skills enhancement is a very important role that PSI is hoping to fulfil.

"It is crucial to ensure that knowledge is passed on to younger generations of farmers and managers to enable them to store crops as well as they can.

"Potato storage can prove very costly if it isn’t done right and understanding the risks to make sure that returns are earned year on year is a key requirement for any potato production enterprise looking to deliver from store.”