Chip Initiative

For many years the fresh chip market has been dominated by Maris Piper imported from England, to the detriment of local potato growers.

The Chip Initiative began in 2005 with the aim of increasing the availability and acceptability of high quality fresh chips produced & processed from locally grown potato varieties on a year round basis to satisfy the demands of local consumers.

Led by the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD), the project ran in conjunction with representatives from across the potato industry, including growers, processors and retailers, as well as the Agri-Food and Bio-Sciences Institute (AFBI) and Invest Northern Ireland (INI).

The project found that it is possible, with correct variety selection and management, both in the field and in the store, to produce chips of equal and superior quality to those made from imported English Maris Piper.

It is hoped that this project will help growers supplying chip processors gain confidence with new varieties and explore opportunities to expand and create new local supply chains between local growers and processors.

(L-R) Iain Johnston, Crop Technologist, CAFRE. Christine Haydock, Senior Food Technologist, CAFRE. Mr Freddie Chambers, Bradmount Foods, Moneymore.

If you want to find out more about the Chip Initiative, please contact Iain Johnston on 028 9442 6766 or email Iain at iain.johnston@dardni.gov.uk