It takes on average 8 to 12 years from the original cross pollination to the commercial production of seed tubers. Consequently breeding and selecting new varieties of potato requires a significant investment in both time and money.

A significant amount of foresight and a large amount of adaptability are also required.

Indeed it is only since the introduction of Plant Breeders Rights allowed protection over the Intellectual Property of a new variety that it has been possible to earn any return on such an investment.

Caithness means to keep a flow of superior new varieties coming through its programme by continuing with our own breeder and a growing network of hobby breeders dedicated to the future success of Caithness.