GROWERS from across the region are expected to attend a specialist potato event in Harrogate.

BP2015 has almost doubled in size since the last show two years ago and there are numerous exhibits relevant to all types of arable growers which is being mirrored by higher than ever advance visitor registrations from local growers, say the organisers.

Organiser Carla Lowndes said: "British Potato events have long been key diary dates for everyone involved in potatoes throughout the UK and further afield. Now, though, the size of the show and breadth of subjects covered means more and more local arable growers are taking advantage of having the event on their doorstep and calling in to see what’s new.

"From crop nutrition to forklifts and staffing to laboratory analytics, the show covers a full range of arable issues, so is time well spent for growers of all types who can make the short trip into Harrogate.

"As a result we are seeing many more local growers registering for the free tickets than has ever been the case before."

Both days have a full seminar programme. The first day topics include understanding the market potatoes operate in; understanding the competition; soils interactive; AHDB Potatoes: developing the industry; opportunities for growth; putting research into practice and exploiting social media and the #hashtag for business success.

The second day includes soils interactive; smarter production; understanding the risk and reward equation; quick-fire seminar: research and innovation for the future; exploiting social media and the #hashtag for business success in an interactive environment.

BP2015 is at the Harrogate International Centre on Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13. The exhibitor list is at bp2015.co.uk.