The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) and UNIKA have appointed Dr. Illya Kolba as their new joint managing director, effective August 1, 2026. He will lead political advocacy and represent the interests of Germany's potato industry.

DKHV has launched a redesigned website (dkhv.org), offering a modern platform for Germany’s potato industry. Key features include an interactive member map, easier access to industry resources, and greater visibility for its 160 member companies.

DKHV has launched the first module of its Potato Specialist training program in Hermannsburg, bringing together industry professionals for practical and classroom-based training on potato cultivation, crop protection, field assessment and breeding.

Raiffeisen Waren GmbH continues to develop its Wesendorf facility into a modern potato center in Northern Germany, offering storage, sorting, packaging and logistics services for industrial, seed and table potatoes while supporting growers across the supply chain.

On May 30, the International Day of the Potato was celebrated worldwide, highlighting the potato’s role in food security, sustainability, economic development and culinary diversity beyond its importance as a staple food.

Around 500 guests from 15 countries attended the 20th International Berlin Potato Evening hosted by DKHV at TITANIC Chaussee Berlin, uniting heads from the potato value chain, science, politics to discuss market challenges and policy fair rules.

Germany’s potato industry calls for urgent research and coordinated measures against the spreading reed glasswinged leafhopper to protect cultivation, jobs, and regional economic strength.

The DKHV is relaunching the 'Kids an die Knolle' school garden program in 2026, inviting teachers and educators to register and receive 5 kg of free seed potatoes for hands-on learning. Schools can register until 15 February 2026.

Plant protection, bureaucracy, and production costs – these are just some of the issues currently weighing heavily on Germany’s specialty crop sector.