Growing potatoes for Five Guys fries

Kroes Dronten is the arable farm of Philip Kroes, where the main focus is on potato cultivation. Adriaan Wortman is responsible for the cultivation together with Alexander Plasschaert and Wilbert Van de Streek. The tasks are divided in such a way on the farm that Adriaan is more involved with FarmCoaching and Alexander and Wilbert focus on the arable farm.

FarmCoaching provides advice on potato cultivation, storage and marketing and also acts on behalf of other growers, including Five Guys, an international fast food chain known for its fresh hamburgers and hand-cut fries. For this, they grow Innovators themselves. 

Innovations in cultivation and efficiency
This year, planting is going smoothly under good conditions. In addition, a new method is being used in which nitrogen and phosphate are added directly in the row. This ensures that the fertilizers end up in the bed exactly to the left and right of the potato. In addition, pre-germination bags are being used in part to be able to harvest potatoes early in the season. The new harvest delivery to Five Guys will start in August. 

Growth of the potato area
At the moment, fourteen growers are participating in the potato program, but this number is expected to grow in the coming years. FarmCoaching provides the growers with the necessary seed potatoes. By working together with other farmers, the production capacity is increased and the demand of Five Guys can be better met.

According to Adriaan, agriculture is all about cost-price-oriented work and efficient division of labor. "You have to make sure that you can do a lot of work in a short period of time," he says. Last year there were some great moments when he could make optimal use of favorable circumstances. "Then you really have to be there." 

In addition to working on the arable farm, Adriaan also plays a direct role in the food chain with FarmCoaching, which he sees as a nice responsibility. The idea that the potatoes they grow are eventually processed into fries and served to the consumer makes this aspect of his work extra fun for him.

Passion for the profession
Adriaan's passion for the agricultural sector started at a young age. Although he himself does not have a farming background, he came into contact with farm life through his sister. His sister rode horses on a farm and encouraged him to find a hobby. That's how Adriaan started milking cows and his interest in the agricultural sector grew. He decided to follow his education at Aeres Hogeschool in Dronten and did internships at various agricultural companies, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

For Adriaan, the best moment of the day is the sunset while working. "If you can all have a beer together at eleven o'clock at night and have done a neat, quality job, then you know why you do this."

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