Potato processors have been given the green light for the limited use of a sprout suppressant that has yet to be approved for use in the UK.

The withdrawal of CIPC (chlorpropham) has left the industry with less-effective alternatives, which is proving to be a particular problem for the crisping sector that relies on long-term storage.  

See also: How to stop sprouting in potato stores without CIPC

Adrian Cunnington, head of crop storage research at the AHDB, points out that for the final three months of storage, the crisping sector faced having to bring crops in from overseas to fulfil the storage gap.

“We estimate this would have cost about £20m and left British growers without a market for their crops.”

However, the AHDB has secured an emergency authorisation for 1‑4 dimethylnaphthalene (DMN), which removes the need to import potatoes.

An application for full UK approval is being considered by the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD); the product is approved in eight European countries.

Mr Cunnington explains that the emergency approval enables controlled use of the sprout control product on a limited number of varieties, prenominated by member companies of the Potato Processors’ Association (PPA).

The treated varieties will be used for crisp and French fry manufacturing, and a limited tonnage can only be used from long-term storage to supply the nominating companies.

To qualify for treatment, under the emergency approval, other sprout control products must be known not to have worked or be able to work. So crops will also be tested to ensure they meet eligibility criteria agreed with the CRD as a condition of the approval.

Potatoes may only be supplied to factories where the waste will be segregated as part of a stewardship process. This is because it is also a condition of the approval that treated potatoes cannot be used to feed livestock, explains Mr Cunnington.