b"rally occurring potato hormone which stabilizes dormancy, and then volatilizes away completely. Because its naturally present in potatoes, theres some discussion as to how maximum residues are being measured. United under the European Potato Processors' Association (EUPPA), European potato processors are currently working closely with DormFresh to find a solution, Cattoor says. Theyve made a priority list of third countries and are working dil-igently with authorities to come to an agreement. Due to competition rules, Belgapom CEO Christo-phe Vermeulen is not at liberty to discuss which third countries they are working with or why. But he did say the process is ongoing. There are no bumps in the road to a perma-nent solution, he says.Ethylene gas offers growers another solution but presents challenges as well. Since it causes undesirable fry colour, its more suitable for table stock potatoes than processing potatoes. But in Belgium, some traders claim ethylene isnt ideal for table potatoes either.CIPC comes out of the treating pipe into the plenum while fogging a potato pile.PHOTO: BILL ORRFarmers who have opted for spearmint and orange oil have also faced challenges. Boththree to four times more than CIPC. The product products have a similar flashpoint, and fires haveneeds to be applied more often, too. Whereas occurred in some cases in Germany, where appli- CIPC could be applied every six to 12 weeks, cators insufficiently cleaned equipment betweenBiox-M needs to be applied in four-to-eight-week applications. In Belgium, the branch organizationintervals. In a market already under pressure, the Belpotato.be worked together with Certis and UPLadditional costs create further stress. to draft information sheets on how to safely workCurrently, the UK is sitting on a surplus, and with these new products. Both phyto companiesthe free-market price is not much higher than are currently working to get cold nebulizationthe cost of production. With storage costs so approval, explains Cattoor, which would eliminatehigh, UK growers are struggling to make margins, the fire hazard.Kitson says. These alternatives take some getting usedIts been a very tough year, he says.to, she says. It will take some seasons to get sufficient knowledge. CIPC CONCERNS IN NORTH AMERICAWhile University of Maine Crops Specialist and PRICEY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONSExtension Professor Steven Johnson doesnt As an independent potato consultant and ownerexpect an outright ban in the United States, he of Potato Solutions, Tim Kitson has been workingis concerned by the EUs decision to deregulate with United Kingdom potato growers for 25 years.CIPC. His concern is consumers and end users, In the past decade, hes witnessed growers slowlyA potato that was treated with Biox-M while inquick service restaurants such as McDonalds, will move away from CIPC, opting instead for frequen- storage. PHOTO: TIM KITSON demand CIPC-free potatoes. cy drive fans and alternative sprout inhibitors. ByThe spillback isnt always the legal banning, the time CIPC was deregulated, UK potato growersand were learning a lot about air distribution andhe explains. Its the declining of potatoes or were already testing Biox-M and studying thehow the product works. deciding not to use it ahead of being banned.effectiveness of ethylene. While Biox-M does work, uniform distributionIn the past, the U.S. has also shipped potatoes If someone had asked me if I would be confi- can be a challenging, says Kitson. Biox-M isto Europe. Although, thats limited now, potential dent storing potatoes without CIPC, I would havea volatile product which moves via airstreamexporters wont be keen on closing the doors. been nervous and skeptical, Kitson says. But as it can be difficult to reach all corners of theJohnson is also concerned about a ban in Canada, we currently sit today, about halfway through ourstorage unit. as many of the potatoes in his region are pro-storage cycle, were making good use of Biox-M,Another downside is cost, as Biox-M costscessed over the border.8 SPUDSMART.COM SPRING 2021"