Within five years, only offer and promote robust potato varieties in the organic range. That is the goal that seven retailers, including Albert Heijn and Jumbo, are committing to as of today. That means no more organic Agria and Frieslander on the shelves.
In the agreement signed today (Wednesday, November 16) by 31 chain parties, they commit to switching completely to robust potato varieties in the organic range. This must be accomplished within five years. The seven retailers participating, Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Aldi, Lidl, Ekoplaza, Odin and Superunie, also ask their suppliers to also choose robust varieties in processed potato products, such as chips and potato slices.
Better protect the grower
This concerns a total of thirty new robust varieties that will be released into retail. Many of these varieties are still unknown, especially compared to the Agria and Frieslander, but no less in quality according to Bionext, the trade organization for the organic sector. The aim of this transition with thirty new varieties is that the organic grower is better protected against financial risks in a year with a lot of phytophthora. According to the trade organization, this can lead to a more stable harvest, which means that the price of organic potatoes will not become more expensive.