Not since the NFU was instrumental in calling for changes to the BPTA terms and conditions a few years ago have I received many calls from members about seed potato issues. But this year has been different. On a number of occasions I have either heard directly from members, or via my regional colleagues, that they have been receiving unusual size fractions of seed.
In most cases, growers are reporting receiving larger seed than they would have otherwise expected. One member, for example, explained that they had ordered 35/55mm seed but received seed that was all 50/55mm. This, he explained, meant he had to order additional seed to cover his potato area because larger seed means fewer tubers per tonne. Another grower said that the seed he received was actually above the fraction set out in his contract.
I would now like to hear from more growers who have had this problem so I can see how widespread it is. If you have had similar experiences this year, please contact me on bGVlLmFiYmV5QG5mdS5vcmcudWs=
And for growers who believe their supplier is not meeting the terms of their contract, you can get some advice by speaking to our team of advisers at NFU CallFirst.