News on Potato Varieties and Seed from Europe

As of today, potato breeder Royal HZPC Group welcomes Hans Huistra as its new CEO. Colleagues from all of Royal HZPC Group's global locations (HZPC, STET and ZOS) had the opportunity to gain a first impression of Hans Huistra in a broadcasted meeting.

On Wednesday, 4 September, at Nocton, Lincolnshire, the new Potato Days UK will be kicking off, offering a full two-day programme of exhibition, trial plots, professional programme, and live machinery demonstrations. Visitors enter for free on both days, 4 and 5 September, with prior registration needed.

Gerard Backx, CEO of the Royal HZPC Group, says there is an imbalance in the Dutch seed potato market. He expects less volume of these potatoes to be available this season. Although there is a good tuber count in many areas, and the harvest should be successful, the wet summer significantly damaged some areas.

Branston, one of the UK’s leading potato suppliers, has appointed a new general manager at its Lincoln site as part of its ambitious growth plans.

The potato breeder NORIKA GmbH from Groß Lüsewitz on the Baltic coast in Germany is preparing a generational change. An eventful and prosperous professional life is coming to an end for the retiring Managing Director Wolfgang Walter.

This year’s Hutchinsons Potato Demonstration Day, held at Worth Farms, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, focussed on potential solutions to address some of the key challenges faced by UK potato growers.

Prof Ian Toth, a distinguished figure in the potato research community, has been appointed as the new President of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR).

Actualmente se recogen colombas, que están por encima de los 0,50 euros el kilo, aunque se estima que la producción ha caído un 15%

Los países productores del norte de Europa enfrenta a un tiempo dificultades climatológicas para producir, así como también incertidumbres de mercado por presiones de competidores a nivel global.

La sexta edición del evento que reúne a productores y asociados al sector celebró con éxito su sexta edición.

FAO releases ‘get involved guide’ where it calls on governments and agencies to provide an enabling environment

La cantidad de hectáreas de producción en España deberá duplicarse en el futuro cercano, realidad que parece incompatible con los problemas de suministro de semilla.

Potato breeding company Royal HZPC Group expects to achieve a similar result for the financial year 2023 / 2024 (July - June) as in the previous financial year. With an expected increase in financial turnover of 4%.

Las restricciones al uso de fertilizantes dificultan la producción de semilla, haciendo a la incertidumbre europea con respecto al suministro.

Dentro de la Unión Europea se discute la liberalización del producto. Posiciones encontradas alertan sobre los riesgos fitosanitarios.

En Galicia, España, las dificultades para con el cultivo temprano se mantienen firmes y los productores se preocupan por el futuro.

Europatat is raising concerns about the draft report on Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) which is set for a vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary during the week of 22 April.

Spanish potato company Patatas Meléndez S.L. celebrates one year since the inauguration of its new factory. A milestone that not only represents growth and progress, but is also filled with effort, dedication, and, above all, a lot of learning.