The potato sector is not without its challenges. Similar to cereal producers, potato farmers have had to contend with weather extremes over the past few years, the loss of key chemistry and increasing production costs.

However, changing consumer demands, extreme variation in farmgate prices and significant ongoing investment costs means that the potato sector is arguably one of the most challenging sectors in Irish agriculture.

Conference

The National Potato Conference aims to address some of these challenges. The conference, organised by Teagasc and the Irish Farmers Association and in association with Bord Bia, takes place on Tuesday 18 February in the Red Cow Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin.

The event commences at 10am and includes a trade show which runs throughout the day.

The theme of the conference this year is 'Potatoes the food of the future'.

Throughout the day, topics such as potato consumer trends and nutrition, potato seed supply post-Brexit, energy savings on potato farms, potato desiccation post-diquat and sprout control will be covered by a host of speakers.

The event will conclude with a series of workshops. The full agenda can be found below:

Agenda