Praise for young potato growers (From Western Telegraph)

Praise for young potato growers

There were more entrants in this year's early potato growers competition than for some time, despite a reduction in the acreage being grown in Pembrokeshire.

The results were announced at a growers conference at David Dixon's Williamston Farm, Houghton recently.

Potato Council member Walter Simon said investment in the crop was greater than ever and that adequate returns must be secured.

He said 80% of new potatoes were now being sold through the supermarkets and it was essential that quality was not jeopardised. He said consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potato's role in healthy eating.

Graham Nicholls, chairman of NFU headquarters potato committee, said plant breeders, growers and their agents needed to work together. Bridges needed to be built and a dialogue had been entered in to with crispers and retail outlets, but he feared there may be too much of last year's crop around.

The judges, Trevor and Linwen Beynon from the Gower gave high praise for the younger growers in west Wales.

"Your crops are equal to the best being grown anywhere and soil conditions this year are as good as ever and some are truly magnificent," said Mr Beynon.

The championship award went to John Hayman, of Brompton Park, Burton with Martin Evans, of West Farm, Cosheston in reserve. Mr Hayman, who has been growing earlies for nearly 40 years, had been runner-up four times.

The winning sample was grown by David Phillips at Windsor Farm, Lamphey with David John, Lamm-aston Farm, Pembroke runner-up.