Potato growers are facing an increasing challenge. The changing climate has long required a new approach to potato storage. Now that there has been a ban on sprout inhibitor chlorpropham since harvest 2020, a different approach is necessary. Mechanical refrigeration offers the solution, according to Marcel Bennink, storage specialist at ENGIE Refrigeration. This way of storage pays for itself in several ways.
The ban on chlorpropham means that growers have to look for a new storage method to keep their product quiet. The sprout inhibitor brought life to a standstill in the potatoes, preserving the quality of the product. What is the alternative now? Bennink: "There are substitutes for chlorpropham, for example organic, but they are a lot more expensive. And then you certainly want such a product to do its job. If you use these agents in a shed ventilated with air, blow you immediately remove them the moment you want to cool your product during a cold night. That is an eternal shame."
Control over product
In a closed storage environment, mechanical cooling not only allows you to keep control of your product, the germ inhibitors also remain inside. A golden combination. The closed storage environment ensures that you can regulate the temperature and humidity yourself. The different phases of the storage process are fully under control.
The computer continuously measures the temperature and humidity in the storage and adjusts the cooling capacity and the storage program to the cooling demand. The control system of the installation regulates the system so well that it automatically adapts to the properties of the product. This way you always create the ideal conditions for your product. The potato goes 'in rest' so that the quality is preserved. Add germ inhibitors to that and you considerably extend the storage time of your product.
More than worth it
"That is certainly attractive for potato growers," says Bennink. "Contracts that they conclude for late delivery yield more. In addition, mechanical cooling is a sustainable choice due to the use of a natural refrigerant and a significant reduction in energy consumption. This makes you eligible for the Energy Investment Allowance if you invest in mechanical cooling."
"Finally, with mechanical cooling you have more product left, more kilos. On the one hand because the potatoes only dry up by a maximum of 3%, on the other hand because rot nests will not spread. So you can not only store your product longer, you also keep more quality product to trade, which makes it more than worth the investment for many chip potato growers."
For more information on www.aardappelwaren.nl.
In this video van Boerenbusiness Marcel Bennink explains in detail the benefits for potato and chips growers.