New project to improve potato varieties

The use of new techniques is increasingly determining for the success of breeding programmes. Significant leaps have already been made in the field of bio-information and robotisation. The project 'High-tech potato and potato breeding' aims to use these techniques in an ongoing distribution program, resulting in improved varieties.

The project has a total budget of almost €4 million and will run until January 31, 2020. The subsidy for this project was awarded on August 29, 2017. A contribution from the OPZuid innovation program of €1,4 million is promised in this. The province of Zeeland will supplement that amount with €150.000. 

Meijer acts as a testing ground
Keygene, 3BM IT Solutions BV, Tecnic Automation BV, Pegasus Geospatial Consulting and the University of Amsterdam are leading the project. They bring their knowledge together in Meijer's breeding program, which will be set up as a testing ground. 

Impact extends further
According to the organization, the entire potato breeding sector will benefit from this project. "The improved breeding programs will produce a more sustainable product of higher quality. The results will ultimately also reach the consumer," Meijer said in a press release. 

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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