The disappearance of Chlorpropham for potato storage has major consequences for the overseas export of potatoes. Where the drug in the storage facilities within the EU can be replaced by other drugs, it is much more difficult for overseas export. Teun Paarlberg, co-owner of Sevenhuysen VOF, sounds the alarm about this.
What exactly is the problem with the loss of Chlorpropham?
"The authorization of Chlorpropham (IPC/CIPC) will expire in October 2020. Actually earlier, but it can be used until then. Chlorpropham is in almost all current sprout inhibitors, so the ban has major consequences for all potato storage. As it stands now Looks like residues on potatoes are not tolerated, although for a temporary period higher residue standard is being lobbied. Yet the consequences are limited in that sense, because alternative means are available. However, the biggest problem is in overseas potato exports, because there is no way to keep the potatoes treated during overseas transport."
Why can't potatoes remain treated during transport?
"After the disappearance of chlorpropham, treatment must take place with alternative means (gases) every 4 to 6 weeks. Ventilation must be provided around 48 hours after treatment. This is possible in barns, but not in containers that are shipped. There is not a container shipping company that will open the ventilation hatches 48 hours after a treatment. Moreover, we will then have to gas containers in which other products and foodstuffs are also transported. I do not think that is the intention of a ban on chlorpropham."
Are there no alternative options?
"Yes, we can cool the containers to 1 degree. But then you still have the problem that the potatoes must remain good for up to 3 weeks in the country of destination. We will not achieve this with cooling and gases alone. Moreover, we cannot achieve this with cooling and gases alone. then the baking quality leaves much to be desired. An additional problem is that we export a lot of oversized seed potatoes. If those batches are no longer treated with chlorpropham, they can be used as seed potatoes instead of consumption potatoes at their final destinations. That only needs to be done for a while. and buyers make full use of this. Perhaps oversized seed potatoes are also purchased for consumption at the seed potato destinations and then planted. This has a detrimental effect on global seed potato exports and for our good name and fame."
Is action being taken regarding this problem?
"We are in good discussions with the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). They are conducting research into alternatives that, in our opinion, do not yet exist. A product mentioned is 1.4 Ship, a derivative of 1.4 Sigh. This product is also a gas, so volatile and cannot be used in containers. Moreover, it is also not registered in Europe. I think that if this continues, we will have a major problem in October 2020 and potato exports will virtually come to a standstill or the risks will simply become too great ."
Paarlberg continues: "What frustrates me is that no one outside the EU is interested in a chlorpropham ban. It is a completely European affair, because in other parts of the world it can simply be used for lack of a good alternative. The recipients want a good product, free of sprouts and suitable for working with for a week to several weeks. In addition, you will no longer find this product after peeling, scraping or washing."