News Potatoes
Stricter punishment for fraud with seed potatoes
LTO Nederland, Plantum NL and the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO) have sounded the alarm at the ministry about tackling fraud involving forged NAK certificates. The immediate reason for this call is a decision by the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb).
A seed potato grower from North Brabant was suspended for 3 years by the NAK after marketing unapproved seed potatoes with false certificates. It However, CBb whistled back the NAK and ruled that in the relevant case the power to suspend the inspection of propagating material for 3 years cannot be used.
Seed potatoes stand or fall with confidence
The seed potato sector is important for a healthy start to potato cultivation. Trust in the system of inspections and certifications is essential for a strong seed potato sector, according to LTO Nederland, Plantum NL and the NAO. According to the organizations, the NAK certificate must be beyond any doubt. Fraud with certificates as in the case mentioned above damages that trust and is therefore unacceptable.
The organizations are concerned about the extent to which the sanctions that can be imposed in the event of fraud are sufficient. The aim is to make a start this year with the evaluation of the current enforcement instruments. The Ministry of Agriculture (LNV) is taking the lead in this and the results will probably be published in 2022. In the meantime, LNV, NVWA and NAK are looking for solutions to tackle fraud within the existing rules. LNV has also asked the NVWA to give extra priority to fraud with seed potatoes.
Boerenbusiness organizes a round table discussion at the beginning of September about the future of potato cultivation and the chip market. Prominent companies in the sector are joining us. Do you have questions for the experts on this subject? Send them to before August 25th d.ballast@boerenbusiness. Nl
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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