Research into the costs of cleaning potato sheds

The Association for the Potato Processing Industry (VAVI) wants to gain insight into cost-effective cleaning of potato storage warehouses where chlorpropham has been used in the past. This is currently being researched together with European partners.

As of January 1, 2020, the sprout inhibitor and herbicide chlorpropham is no longer available admission in the European Union. In the Netherlands, potatoes may no longer be treated with this product from the 2020 harvest. The transition to a new storage regime poses a series of challenges for the entire sector, including the large-scale cleaning of existing storage cells where chlorprofarm has previously been used.

The VAVI is investigating, in collaboration with the national federations of 6 European countries and the European Potato Processors Association (EUPPA), how this can be done cost-effectively. The results are expected in mid-March 2020. Based on this, specific advice is given to growers.

Request temporary MRL
The research results will also be shared with the European Commission with a view to applying for a temporary MRL (Maximum Residue Limit). According to the sector, this is a necessary tool to prevent violations based on the use of chlorpropham in the past, when the product was not yet banned.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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