Potato cultivars exist to address the needs of society. From traits associated with disease resistance to those affecting flavour, development has been shaped by human wants and needs.
Many factors influence what ends up on the plate, from fundamental understanding of genomics, to dietary preferences, Brexit and the obesity crisis.
Effective understanding of this dynamic sector requires the perspectives of agronomists, farmers, processors, retailers and ultimately consumers.
Social science directly engages with stakeholders and the decision-making behind current varietal diversity.
Research instruments include workshops, interviews and a host of research techniques designed to capture the key drivers of behaviours shaping the sector.
