Image
Manufacture of potato starch from surplus potatoes
Published on 22 April 2021
Ireland
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Meade's state of the art, custom built starch plant processes their out of spec and surplus potato stock and uses cutting edge technology to produce premium quality food grade starch. The system is currently working towards complete carbon neutrality using wind energy and solar panels. A water filtration system is also used to help them achieve BRCGS accreditation. Irish consumers now have access to a healthy, more sustainable alternative to imported starch and food manufacturers have easy access to an Irish ingredient, which will enhance their own products.
Resources needed
Skills - analytical problem solving skills, time management, budget setting, strong commercial focus.
Departments involved - Engineering (design), HR (staff recruitment), Marketing, Finance (determine KPIs), IT (development of new protocols).
Equipment - specialist starch extraction equipment.
Departments involved - Engineering (design), HR (staff recruitment), Marketing, Finance (determine KPIs), IT (development of new protocols).
Equipment - specialist starch extraction equipment.
Evidence of success
Meade Farm Group estimates that 20-30% of their potatoes were non-table grade potatoes which achieved prices in the region of €20-€30 per tonne and were generally used in animal feed. The company are now achieving prices in the region of €700-€1,000 per tonne for their premium quality potato starch.
Potential for learning or transfer
Whilst the majority of Meade Farm Group's produce is Class 1, there is always a portion of each crop that is either left behind in the field or is outside specification. Traditionally, surplus produce went to stock feed and community food banks. They identified a gap in the food service market for premium quality peeled & chipped potatoes and invested in peeling lines 4 years ago. This utilized Class 1 and potatoes that had been initially graded as surplus to requirement. The by-product of this process is used in their recently upgraded starch extractor. On farm crop loss was another area in which the company saw potential. In 2016, Meade Farm Group were approached by Food Cloud to help them set up a gleaning network which helped reduce on farm crop loss. Gleaning is were produce left behind in the field is picked up and distributed to those in need. Meade have since introduced new growers to the network, as well as new volunteer groups and trialed gleaning with local schools.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Donegal County Council
Ireland
Contact
Project Executive