News on Potato Cultivation from the Netherlands

On 7 and 8 November, Agrico held its annual variety show at its research station in Bant. During this show, the cooperative presented its new, innovative varieties and inspired visitors to work together to maximise professionalism in the chain.

Following an unpredictable cultivation season, the Avebe production locations have now started up again. The first potatoes are ready to be delivered at the locations in Gasselternijveen (NL) and Dallmin (Germany).

Wim van der Ree, the Director at Nedato, a Dutch potato cooperative, about early switch to import potatoes, after he visited his Spanish suppliers last week...

Last week, potato collective Agrico held its central general members’ meeting. At this well attended meeting, the annual report 2017/2018 was presented and new board members were appointed.

That the potato harvest this year in Europe was well below average due to extreme weather conditions is well known by now. I this article we present some recent data from Great Britain, The Netherlands and Spain that further clarify the situation

Earlier this month, Breeders Trust - an organisation looking after the interest of a.o. potato breeders - revealed a major fraud, concerning the switching of at least 200 tons of potatoes meant for consumption, to seed potatoes

During the annual potato variety show at Agrico the topic of discussion was not limited to unique varieties on display. The impact of the excessive heat and drought this season on the seed potato market was also a hot topic.

REMA Environmental Machinery BV has developed a 48 Volt fully electrically driven haulm puller / root cutter for mechanical potato haulm (foliage) destruction in (seed) potatoes.

Test trials by VTA in the Netherlands reveal an average yield of 47.088 kg per hectare, compared to 58,507 kg/ha in 2017. This means that the yield per hectare is 19.5% lower than the previous season and 12.5% lower than the 5-year average.

Wageningen University & Research uses computer models to develop sustainable management strategies in the control of potato late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans.

Never before has Agrico marketed such high volumes of seed potatoes, and could pay out such high dividends to members for both seed and table potatoes. Consequently, the 2016/2017 financial year will be noted as one of the most successful years in Agrico's history.

Earlier today Statistics Netherlands (CBS) published its latest update of the potato harvest of 2017 in the Netherlands. Total production of potatoes for consumption for the first time since 2000 exceeded 4 million tonnes, an increase of 27 percent compared to 2016!

Ten Dutch potato (processing) companies and two associations have established Holland Innovative Potato (HIP) to facilitate and coordinate joint pre-competitive research activities. A budget of € 4.5 million is available for the first research program of HIP.

Despite the cancellation of the first day of Potato Europe (Wednesday) and the less then perfect weather on Thursday, the 270 exhibitors were able to welcome around 10,000 visitors, just on the Thursday

Dewulf now unveils Torro, its long-awaited trailed 2-row sieving potato harvester with haulm conveyor, flat hedgehog units and bunker.

In consultation with the municipality of Noordoostpolder all activities of PotatoEurope 2017 are cancelled for Wednesday 13 September, due to the expected weather conditions.

Dewulf-Miedema presents an impressive number of machines at Potato Europe. Much of the equipment can be seen in action during numerous demonstrations of harvesting and storage technology. But the the main eye-catcher will be the unveiling of Torro!

Check out the five products nominated for the Potato Europe 2017 Innovation Award. Until Monday September 11, noon, you can still vote for your favorite!