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A cross-industry body set up by the UK potato industry is calling on potato growers to help satisfy the data submission requirements of HSE's Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) for measurement of chlorpropham (CIPC) residues in potatoes held in potato stores previously treated with the sprout suppressant.

The CIPC Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) will be chaired by potato storage expert Adrian Cunnington, who says: "This need has arisen from a decision made by CRD to monitor residues of CIPC, a product that is no longer in use in the UK. It is incumbent on everyone in the industry to ensure that the data CRD has requested are provided so that potato stores previously treated with CIPC can continue to be used safely. If the data are not supplied, all stores with a CIPC treatment history are at risk of being taken out of use."

CRMG has already gained support from several organisations, including GB Potatoes, UK Potato Processors Association, Fresh Potato Suppliers Association, National ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Union, National Association of Agricultural Contractors, Certis Belchim B.V, UPL, CS Backhouse, Isle of Ely Potatoes, Potato Storage Insight and SA Consulting.

Now, the group is seeking the co-operation of growers and suppliers from all production sectors to provide residue data from compliance sampling for over 120 potato stores annually to meet the CRD data requirement.

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Mark Taylor, chair of GB Potatoes and FPSA, says: "The CRMG is an excellent example of where the industry needs to come together to tackle an issue that affects us all. We need everyone to do their bit for the common good."

In a statement, CMRG says it will 'act in the interests of the whole of the UK potato industry to ensure that the data submitted meets the quantitative and qualitative standards expected by CRD.'

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that the tMRL is set for a period of five years, although its continued validity must be reassessed every 12 months.

All parties involved in the trade of stored potatoes, including growers, producers of processed potato commodities and traders, must ensure compliance with the tMRL and ensure the MRL supplementary information is submitted to HSE.

Any growers willing to supply CIPC residue data from crops held in stores with a CIPC history (all data will be submitted anonymously) are asked to email [email protected] or contact any CRMG group member.