Caught grower again
Sjoemel seed potatoes immediately harvested after legs
In extreme cases, potato growers who have illegally used seed potatoes are forced to immediately harvest the seed potatoes again. The NAK inspection service carries out targeted checks on behalf of the NVWA. Potato growers notice this clearly in the field.
The NVWA made Thursday 13 April known 2 arable farmers in Drenthe and Noord-Holland using illegal seed potatoes. In Drenthe it concerned a batch of 50 tons. That is the first result of the hunt for cheating seed, which will be extra strict this year checked.
Sjoemelpoters immediately harvested
This week, a potato grower in South Holland was caught using illegal seed potatoes. After the violation has been established, the NAK inspection body reports this to the NVWA. They then decide what measures should be taken. A plot of potatoes for seed potato cultivation is immediately rejected. Different requirements apply to consumption cultivation. In this latest case, it was decided that the potatoes had to be dug up again immediately, confirms Ton Stolte, operations manager of the NAK. Watchdog Breeders Trust has declined to comment on the recently caught grower.
No more checks
According to Stolte, the inspection service will not suddenly perform significantly more checks. 'Every year we carry out inspections in the field, on behalf of the NVWA. Illegal seed potatoes may be used more often this spring, so that growers are more likely to run into problems. We can't control the whole of the Netherlands either. That is why we focus on areas where we suspect there is an increased risk of the use of illegal seed potatoes. A few years ago, for example, that was Goeree-Overflakkee, after the ring rot affair. We will of course not announce which areas we will keep an eye on this year.'
Does not offer leftovers
Due to the shortage in seed potatoes, leftovers of starting material are extra popular this spring. Certainly of the popular French fries potato varieties. On social media such as Twitter, but also on the forum of Boerenbusiness.nl offers many a leftover batch. 'Residual lots may only be traded privately, provided that a re-inspection of the lot takes place', emphasizes the NAK man. 'In practice, that usually doesn't happen. We are also keeping a close eye on this. I can say no more about that.'
Update April 24: Growers report that the NVWA has also ordered a potato grower in the west of North Brabant to immediately lift up illegal seed potatoes.
Niels van der Boom
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