Conference speakers to showcase solutions and spark potato sector innovation
From details of a Japanese knowledge exchange to water scarcity and how potato harvest waste can be used to make clothes, the annual SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) conference has a packed agenda.
This year’s gathering, which will take place in Dundee on Thursday 5 February, will be the 27th edition of the event.
Hosted by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), the conference is an opportunity for the potato industry to come together to connect with other producers and hear from experts covering all aspects of potato production.
Dr Kerry Leslie, Potato Consultant at SAC Consulting, said: “Innovation and improvement are vital to ensure the industry can adapt and successfully overcome the challenges that it faces.
“This year’s conference programme has insightful speakers and learning opportunities that will help safeguard the future of the sector.
“It will cover a real variety of topics, explore the latest thinking and bring producers together from all over the UK.”
The overarching theme of this year’s conference is ‘Driving potato production success with data and innovation’.
Ren Okamura and Hiroto Sugiura of Japanese snack manufacturer, Calbee Potato, are amongst the early speakers lined up for the conference. The pair spent time shadowing SAC Consulting’s potato team earlier this year. Their address will outline details of their operation in Japan and what they learned from the trip to Scotland.
The conference will also feature a discussion of the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) water project, which has been considering the challenges presented by water scarcity.
Gavin Prentice, Senior Potato Consultant at SAC Consulting, will give an overview of the work that has been undertaken, around water resilience and irrigation best practice for Scotland.
Improvements in production will also be covered with James Thorburn of Farewell Farms on Orkney on hand to discuss the challenges he’s had to overcome as the most northerly commercial potato producer in the UK.
While Jacob Smith of pioneering garment manufacturer, Fibe, will explain how they are revolutionising the fashion industry by using potato harvest waste to make clothes.
The conference will be closed by keynote speaker, Dr David Kenyon, who became head of Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and chief plant health officer for Scotland in June this year.
Dr Leslie added: “It promises to be a fantastic event, and I am sure it will provide great value and insight to attendees.”
The event is free to SACAPP members, but tickets are also available to purchase for non-SACAPP growers and trade.
To book your tickets, email sacapp@sac.co.uk or visit www.sac.co.uk/potatoes for more about how SAC Consulting supports the potato industry.
Posted by SAC Consulting on 04/12/2025
