One of the biggest events in the potato industry takes place on Wednesday and Thursday at Harrogate.British Potato 2007 is organised by the British Potato Council and sponsored by Branston and takes over the permanent exhibition centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

One of the biggest events in the potato industry takes place on Wednesday and Thursday at Harrogate.

British Potato 2007 is organised by the British Potato Council and sponsored by Branston and takes over the permanent exhibition centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

There are some reasons for optimism with two key buyers of potatoes for processing, Walkers and McCain Foods are now using 100pc British potatoes. McCain in particular has announced next season's growing contract with positive increases.

The 2005 event attracted a strong attendance, with 6,000 visitors over the two days. This year all Europe's top companies and machinery manufacturers will be exhibiting.

The BPC conference on Wednesday, aptly themed 'A Challenging Future', tackles a programme of issues specifically interesting and relevant to the industry.

BP2007 coincides with a turning point in the industry and new opportunities with the introduction of the agricultural and horticultural development board.

James Harrison is a partner in a family business running 1,100 hectares in North Norfolk. He is responsible for the 300ha potato part of the enterprise, the bulk of which supplies potatoes for Fritolay.

He is also involved in a separate seed growing operation, with North Norfolk Potato Growers and is a BPC council member.

Details of British Potato 2007 and on-line ticket registration can be found at www.potato.org.uk/

bp2007, while the ticket hotline is also open on 0870 429 4608.

Conference tickets cost £65 for levy payers and corporate members and £100 for others. The dinner costs £45 on a first-come basis.