What should be done with Potato Europe?

During and immediately after the international potato event Potato Europe in Emmeloord, everyone had their own opinion. Emotions ran high. However, the soup is never eaten so hot. A week later, the dust settled.

Did a lot go wrong during Potato Europe? Yes. Has the Dutch (potato) sector turned a blind eye? Also my answer is yes. Should there be a thorough evaluation? I agree with that too. But don't let emotion take over and be realistic.

What has been learned?
While the Potato Demo Day in Westmaas is always hit by the weather conditions, and is never put off by it, the fair in Emmeloord is not doing well. At least not the last 2 editions. The 2013 event did not go well, mainly on Thursday, but 2017 took the cake. This gives participants and visitors an idea of ​​what has now been learned and whether changes have taken place at all in 4 years' time?

Parking was a disaster
The biggest noticeable change was the stock market turning 180. A good idea, but with bad execution. Parking on a bone-dry plot of grass was no problem, but it was different for Thursday. Alternatives are arranged last minute and in a bad way. Waiting times of 1,5 hours were no exception.

Disastrous for an international event, which, in its own words, attracted 10.000 visitors. A number that can certainly be questioned. How many visitors did not enter the site from the village, or could just walk through at the entrance?

Other organization not an option
Already during the fair, there were doubts about the capabilities of organizer DLG, the German exhibition giant. Clean ship and a new organization after 2 failed editions, that's how it sounded from the mouths of some exhibitors. Especially the machine manufacturers and dealers felt duped. Partly right, partly not in my view.

Why does the build-up have to take place on the last afternoon before the fair? This is not entirely due to the organization. When they ensure that the terrain is passable, it is up to the participants to set up their stands in a timely and efficient manner. Putting DLG aside also has consequences for the 3 other editions and is therefore not realistic.

Strong example demonstrating
The harvesting demonstrations, the highlight of the fair, were again a point of discussion this year. It showed what machines are capable of. Amounts of water equal to 1998 and yet clean potatoes from the muck. When even the self-propelled vehicles had to stop, it really didn't work anymore.

That has nothing to do with the multiple buyers of the product, who also received the full blow in the media. Unloading and transshipment can be called a disgrace. This is where the biggest bottleneck occurred 4 years ago. There has been insufficient anticipation of a wet scenario.

Municipality tightens grip on stock market
The last point of criticism, and also a persistent one, is the location itself. Self-crowned potato capital Emmeloord cannot match the furnished exhibition location in Biddinghuizen, where a trade fair could take place during the same week without any problems. The present fellow municipality of Dronten even hinted at this. In my opinion, a move of the stock market is unlikely. There is a good chance that Emmeloord will want to strengthen its grip even more, insofar as the municipal authorities allow it. Geographically, the fair is well chosen. Practically speaking, looking at the ground and logistics are not. Handsome guy who finds a solution for that.

Significant costs unavoidable
Finally: what will Potato Europe 2021 look like? Hopefully dry for a start. Then whine about harvesting conditions, where an Amac of 4 decades also does a good job. In addition, a plan B, worked out to perfection, and preferably a plan C.

Exhibitors have an important role to play. Together you make the event what it is. Not by putting all the blame on the shoulders of the organization. A better organization inevitably entails considerably more costs. Think of the construction of pavements. Who pays for that? The exhibitors and ultimately the visitor, in addition to prices that are already hefty.

However, if we don't want to make a mistake anymore, rigorous steps are required. This is the only way we can show our unique potato sector to the world in the right way.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

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