Potato News from Belgium

Brent Bucks of knife manufacturer FAM explains how potato chips processors can increase revenues despite the low quality crop

Agricultural Machinery manufacturer AVR introduces a new potato harvester, the Lynx. The Lynx is a two-row trailed elevator harvester capable of both in-line and off-set harvesting.

The warm and dry weather of recent months has caused a commotion in the potato sector in Northern Europe. This is why representatives of both the Dutch and Belgian potato sectors came together to discuss the situation and to voice their concerns.

Dewulf, full-liner in agricultural machines for the cultivation of potatoes and root crops, launches a unique transfer combi: the Field Loader 240. The machine will be officially launched during the Aardappeldemodag on August 22, 2018 in Westmaas (NL).

The North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) conclude that the potato production this year in North-Western Europe will be much lower than average and that quality issues will be a main challenge.

The extreme heat and drought is a disaster for the upcoming potato harvest. And for processors too: in Belgium, potato chips manufacturer Roger&Roger (Croky) temporarily halts production of some its flavours to manage the lack of potato supply.

The INTERPOM PRIMEURS, a trade show entirely focused on the potato industry held November 25 - 27 2018 in Kortrijk Xpo (Belgium), has already sold out all stand space.

Total potato production in North-western Europe will be mostly determined by yield, as extreme drought plagues the crop, growing on a one percent larger acreage

Belgapom, the Belgian potato trade and processing industry association, has appointed Marc Van Herreweghe as its new chairman.

The Belgian Development Cooperation has been working with the International Potato Centre (CIP) in developing countries since the 1970s. The aim is to support the research and training required to improve the production of potatoes and sweet potatoes, as well as other root vegetables and tubers.

What matters more for food businesses, quality and safety or quantity? But does food quality and safety and food quantity have to be opposing factors, so that as output increases quality suffers?

Agricultural Machinery manufacturer GRIMME inaugurated its new location in Roeselare, Belgium with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The NEPG (North-Western European Potato Growers) estimate that the growers in the 5 leading potato growing countries will plant 0,4% more potatoes than last year.

Europatat Congress 2018 was attended by over 90 participants from 21 countries and received very positive feedback, in particular regarding the high quality of the speakers and their refreshing and inspiring messages.

The European Potato Trade Association Europatat elected a new board yesterday. Gilles Fontaine was appointed President for the next three-years

The European Commission decided on Friday April, 27 2018 to impose a complete ban on neonicotinoids, referring to the risk they pose to wild bees and honeybees.

Industry association Starch Europe announced earlier this month that Andreas Delvaux joined the organisation as Communication Manager.

Organisations representing potato farmers in Belgium and France, have started a project (interreg-GEPOS) to look for alternative destinations for potatoes in Belgium and the North of France in seasons marked by large surpluses.