Growers unanimously against easing standards

Seed potato growers are unanimously against broadening the standards for all batch inspection aspects. This is apparent from a poll conducted by the NAK inspection service among growers during the past growers' meetings.

The majority of growers are in favor of maintaining the current B standard. Should a decision be made to amend the B standard, then for most growers this amendment should be limited to only the cosmetic aspects. Growers are unanimously against broadening the standards for all batch inspection aspects. There is also no support for broadening the B standards in field testing. 

Although at some meetings with a narrow majority, growers are generally positive about the risk-oriented inspection. Growers support the proposed approach, namely less inspection at low risk.

Also unanimous support for maintaining the current test on tradable S and PBs. The growers are divided about extending the Erwinia test to other classes. If it were to expand, it would have to move towards the higher untraded PBs. There is no support for expansion to the SE. The financing of the Erwinia test must continue to be supported collectively, even if it has to be paid for again in the future.

With the exception of two meetings (50-50), there is a lot of support for adapting the zero standard in class E. However, with the caveat that, if one is in favor, further elaboration has to be done in what form the zero standard should be. be adjusted and it is promised that the sector will be consulted again afterwards.

The NAK does have a comment on the results. Growers have indicated that they have not been able to delve sufficiently into the propositions. That is why this poll should at most be seen as a guideline for further discussion in the NAK's advisory board.

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