Tuberosum Technologies registers first ever True Potato Seed (TPS) varieties in Canada

Potato breeder Tuberosum Technologies just announced a Canadian first: the successful registration of four True Potato Seed (TPS) varieties. This marks the first time TPS varieties have been officially registered in Canada, heralding a new era of innovation and sustainability in potato farming.

The newly registered tetraploid TPS varieties are the first step in enhancing the global potato industry, offering producers a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method of cultivation. Unlike traditional tuber-based potato propagation, True Potato Seeds offer numerous advantages including improved disease resilience, easier storage, reduced transportation/phytosanitary constraints, and a more flexible supply chain. 

Key Benefits of True Potato Seeds

• Enhanced Disease Mitigation: TPS reduces the risk of disease transmission compared to traditional seed tubers. 
• Cost Efficiency: Lower transportation and storage costs due to the lightweight nature of seeds and more efficient production of primary planting material 
• Sustainability: Reduced need for seed treatments aligns with environmentally sustainable farming practices, as well as tetraploid TPS populations offering greater resilience against major diseases. 
• Versatility: Greater adaptability, quicker scaling and reduced risk in the value chain.

Joel Van Der Schaaf, CEO of Tuberosum Technologies:

"We are incredibly proud to pioneer the introduction of True Potato Seeds in Canada. This milestone represents years of dedicated research and collaboration. Our new TPS varieties will provide the potato industry with innovative tools to improve crop quality, accessibility and sustainability. This official registration is one of the first of its kind globally and is a pivotal step in making the potato – the most-efficient major food crop – vastly more efficient."

Field pictures of newly registered TPS varieties (Courtesy: Tuberosum Technologies)

The registration of these varieties was a long and detailed process with the Variety Registration Office (VRO) at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), ensuring they meet the rigorous regulatory requirements while allowing for innovation in the agricultural space.

About Tuberosum Technologies

Tuberosum Technologies is a leading potato breeding and variety development company dedicated to the advancement and commercialization of innovative potato cultivation solutions. With a commitment to sustainability and excellence, Tuberosum Technologies strives to advance the potato industry through cutting-edge research and development.