Agrico Ukraine and Ukrainian Institute of Potato Research Tackle Challenges of the Seed Potato Industry in the Country

After Potatodays in the Netherlands, Agrico Ukraine together with Ukrainian Institute of Potato Research initiated a round table to discuss challenges in seed potato production in Ukraine.

Before unprovoked war started by Russia, Ukraine was fourth-largest potato producer in the world. National Register has over 200 potato varieties allowed to be multiplied and sold in Ukraine. 92 varieties from local breeders and 127 - from foreign breeders and institutions.
 However over last two years number of seed producers in Ukraine decreased as well as areas under seed potatoes. Therefore, volumes of certified seeds were around 42,000 tons, while Ukraine needs 180-200,000 tons.

Participants of the round table - breeders, local seed producers, representatives of distinguished companies EUROPLANT, HZPC agreed that they have together to educate the market, encourage farmers to buy certified seeds; work on transparency of seed potato market. This would ensure profitable business model for breeders and multipliers of high class seed.