PotatoEurope 2025 Demonstration Fields Planted in Excellent Conditions at Wageningen University & Research (WUR)

Preparations for PotatoEurope 2025 are in full swing. In early April, the demonstration fields were planted under excellent conditions at the location Open Crops of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in Lelystad. Jacob de Jong, farm manager of this business unit, oversees the 25 hectares of harvesting demonstration fields and is very pleased with the smooth start.

The mid-early potato variety Alegria has been planted on the demonstration fields. Alegria is known for its high yield, good drought resistance, and versatility. It produces oval tubers with a light-yellow flesh color and excellent taste, making it suitable for both fresh consumption and processing into French fries. Additionally, the variety has moderate to low susceptibility to common potato diseases, making it an attractive choice for growers. After harvest, the potatoes will be marketed through the pool of Schaap Holland from Biddinghuizen (NL).

Leon Haanstra and Jeroen Winkelhorst from Schaap Holland inspecting the Miedema Structural 4000 planter, crucial for efficient potato cultivation.

Ensuring crop quality

To ensure the quality of the potato crop, the seed potatoes have been treated with Maxim, and Amistar and liquid phosphate fertilizer have been applied in the row. The plots, consisting of marine clay with approximately 30% silt content, previously had an excellent preceding crop for the potatoes. Last year, winter wheat was grown here, followed by yellow mustard as a green manure crop, which was ploughed under in December. The potatoes have been given a base fertilization according to recommendations, with no animal manure applied. The planting distance within the row is 26 centimetres, as De Jong confirmed during the planting operations.

Jacob de Jong, Farm Manager at WUR, checks the planting distance to ensure optimal potato growth for the upcoming PotatoEurope 2025 demonstrations.

A strong start to the growing season

Jacob de Jong, Farm Manager at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Lelystad:

"We’ve had a relatively dry winter and a dry spring, with frost still occurring in February. As a result, the soil now crumbles nicely, which provides a great start for the PotatoEurope fields this growing season. It’s great that we can start early. This should allow us to apply desiccation in early August and achieve a good yield during the harvesting demonstrations."

Latest innovations and technologies

During PotatoEurope 2025, on September 3 and 4, the potatoes will be harvested by different types of harvesting machines from AVR, Dewulf, Grimme and Ropa. Visitors will get a broad and complete view of the latest mechanization techniques in potato cultivation.

In addition to the harvesting demonstrations, PotatoEurope 2025 offers a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in potato cultivation, processing, and sales.

Kuno Jacobs, Event Organizer of PotatoEurope 2025:

"This makes the event an essential platform for professionals in the sector to share knowledge and strengthen their networks."