AH and Jumbo want resistant potato

Today, Tuesday 8 August, 24 parties will sign a covenant aimed at 'accelerating the transition to disease-resistant organic potato varieties'. Albert Heijn and Jumbo, among others, are committed to this. Phytophthora is enemy number 1.

Major problems with Phytophthora during the 2016 growing season got the organic sector thinking. Partly when the use of copper as a pesticide came to light. The sector has now in action taken against. Industry organization Bionext has taken the initiative to find a solution for all parties.

6 varieties available
To control phytophthora disease-resistant potato varieties are required. There are now 6 varieties available with built-in natural resistance. Bionext expects this number to grow to 10 to 12 units in the coming years.

2020 fully resistant
24 parties have signed a covenant in which the importance of resistant varieties is once again underlined. In addition to the large supermarket chains AH and Jumbo, potato growers, Ekoplaza, Natuurwinkel, Odin and other retailers also support the agreement. Plantera, Agrico and Den Hartigh are involved in variety breeding. Bionext considers it possible that by 2020 100% resistant potato varieties will be grown by the organic sector.

No genetic modification
Wageningen University did for 10 years research towards the development of resistant potato varieties. Genetic modification was used for this, as a result of which Dutch legislation in this area does not permit further development. After the conclusion of the project, the government decided to stop investing money in the research.

The WUR also has an organic potato breeding program 'Bio Impulse'. This programme, which is looking for resistant varieties, is still running.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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