You would almost forget that a lot of work is being done behind the scenes, especially when it comes to the definitive classification of seed potatoes. Read more? Get a subscription.
The most recent reporting from the NAK shows that one third of the total number of tubers to be examined is now known. Compared to the penultimate figures, the reduction percentage has fallen by 0,6% to 18,1%.
This is still a significant percentage when compared with the previous 4 years. The progress of the research follows almost 1 to 1 the trend of the 2016 harvest year and is therefore ahead of the 2015 harvest year.
Striving for a structural solution
Last year, the adjustment of the standard for growth cracks caused a lot of controversy, which as far as the NAK advisory council was concerned was a one-off. The aim is to find a structural solution, for which concrete proposals will soon be made. It is clear that a separate class B with lower standards will not be created.
The sector is asked for their opinion on the use of the Erwinia test. In the current approach, lots that are not intended for seed potato propagation are tested. A voluntary test could possibly be a solution to this.