Potato Cooperative Agrico inaugurates its expanded greenhouse facilities

Potato Cooperative Agrico inaugurated its new greenhouse complex at the Agrico Research breeding station last Friday. This was followed by an Open Day on Saturday April 7 at the research station. The activities attracted huge crowds.

Over the past 18 months, the greenhouse complex at Agrico Research has been expanded and completely renovated. The area under glass has doubled in size.

Investments have also been made in the latest technology to enable more cross breeding so that new varieties can be bred more efficiently and effectively. Construction has been completed and the greenhouses are now in use.

An official opening for around 100 invited guests took place on Friday 6 April to celebrate the conclusion of the project.

Aucke van der Werff, mayor of the municipality of Noordoostpolder, had the honour of performing the official opening ceremony. He unveiled a botanical mural of a potato plant in bloom. The artwork was created by Hanneke van Middelaar, an employee at Agrico Research.

The Agrico cooperative was founded 45 years ago on 2 April 1973. This jubilee was celebrated in conjunction with the opening of the new greenhouse complex during an open day on Saturday April 7.

Agrico joined the national 'Kom in de Kas’ (Come into the Greenhouse) event. All interested parties, and many Agrico members, could admire the new greenhouses between 10 am and 4 pm.

A range of activities to suit all ages was organised. A real crowd magnet was 'DJ Frietmachine': a swinging installation that combines music and theatre to accompany the journey from potato to French fries!

There were plenty of opportunities to taste potatoes in the form of do-it-yourself crisps and a traditional cone of French fries. The open day attracted around 1800 visitors.

Managing Director Jan van Hoogen can reflect on a successful opening.

Jan van Hoogen:

“The overwhelming interest for our organisation was incredible. We are of course extremely proud of our new greenhouse complex that will literally act as the breeding ground for our entire organisation.”

“The extended facilities equip us for the long-term so we can breed the ideal, strong varieties of the future. There is huge demand for our varieties globally, and that is set to rise in the years ahead.”

“The world's population is growing and potatoes are the most nutritious crop that can be cultivated under the most sustainable conditions."