News Seed Potato Fraud
Sjoemel seed potatoes are being harvested in Belgium
The seed of the Fontane variety that has been illegally propagated and sold is already being harvested in Belgium. Most of the seed potatoes are planted there and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) has reported that it wants this to be grubbed up.
Several sources report against Boerenbusiness that the first cheating is already being harvested. The photo below shows that the seed potatoes are being harvested in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. It is still unknown what will happen to the seed potatoes.
'Everything must be cleared'
At first it was unclear what would happen to the cheated seed. A spokesperson for the FASFC has against Boerenbusiness confirmed, however, that all seed potatoes must be harvested. It is still unknown to what extent the affected growers will be compensated.
The FASFC also states that it has already found more than 200 tons of cheated seed potatoes, divided among 8 farmers. 45 tons of unplanted seed potatoes were also seized from a farmer and trader.
3 years no inspection
Inspection service NAK has additional measures presented† After the field inspection this year, the inspection activities will be suspended for at least 3 years. The arable farm can therefore no longer grow seed potatoes. The choice was made for 3 years because the company delivered uncertified seed potatoes in 3 harvest years.
The 2019 harvest must be accommodated, processed and certified elsewhere under the supervision of the NAK. The seed potato company should not be involved in this.
Anne-Jan Doorn
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.