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Research in seed potato cultivation

The Potato Valley merged with the Agrofoodcluster in March 2023. Thanks to this, we can develop further in and with a broader network in the (seed potato) cultivation sector.

The Northern part of The Netherlands has a top position in the export of seed potatoes. In 2022, Groningen, Friesland, and Flevoland cultivated together almost 60 percent of the total seed potato acreage in the Netherlands. This amounts to approximately 28,000 hectares. The three provinces together form the knowledge platform for seed potato cultivation.

In the sector are experienced various challenges in the areas of climate, soil, and quality of seed potatoes. These aspects have an important influence, not only in the cultivation of seed potatoes, but also in the growth of other crops. The Agrofoodcluster encourages research into the development of robust varieties, diseases and pests, intelligent and new techniques. This will be a solution involving entrepreneurs, research, education and government. Within the ‘research’ pillar, the role of the Agrofoodcluster is to develop, develop and share in-depth knowledge, specifically aimed at the seed potato. This promotes innovations and economic profitability in seed potato cultivation in the Northern part of The Netherlands.

Bloeiende aardappel op de kavel bij het Agrofoodcluster

Dutch seed potatoes feed the world!

The Netherlands exports approximately 800,000 tonnes of seed potatoes to destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America each year. More than 30 million tons of consumption potatoes can be grown locally, of which more than 800 million people worldwide are fed.

Seed potatoes from the Netherlands are used internationally

In the film below you can see how the potatoes are received in Morocco and Israel! Both countries have a different way of growing. Where modern techniques are applied in Israel, Morocco still seems to be lagging behind. Nevertheless, both countries prefer to use seed potatoes from the Netherlands!

Unique circumstances in the Northern part of The Netherlands

The film also shows why the Northern part of The Netherlands is suitable for seed potato cultivation. There is light clay soil, a favorable climate and it is located along the sea. As a result, diseases and pests have less chance to develop. Seed potatoes from the Northern  part of The Netherlands are traded and propagated all over the world, before being eaten as consumption potatoes.