Dutch Potato Sector Calls for Stronger Cooperation and Policy Support on International Potato Day

The strategic importance of the Dutch potato sector was highlighted during a special meeting held at Nieuwspoort on International Potato Day. Organized by the Nederlandse Aardappel Organisatie (NAO) together with LTO Nederland, SeedNL, Plantum, VAVI, Royal Avebe, and BO Akkerbouw, the event brought together politicians, policymakers, senior civil servants, and industry representatives to discuss the future of one of the Netherlands’ most important agricultural sectors.

Among those attending were Renate den Hollander (VVD), Joris Lohman (CDA), Chris Jansen (PVV), policy officer Jorrit Griesen (PVV), Caroline van der Plas (BBB), Mies Pabon (BBB), Kevin Brouwer (BBB), and Martijn Weijtens from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).

Dutch Potato Chain Drives Food Security and Economic Growth

As the trade association representing companies involved in seed and ware potato trading, the NAO emphasized its commitment to ensuring a strong and future-proof potato sector. The organization advocates for the industry on key issues including food security, sustainability, health, and international trade.

Participants highlighted that the Dutch potato sector contributes far beyond domestic agriculture. Through the production and export of high-quality seed potatoes, advanced cultivation practices, and ongoing innovation, the Netherlands plays a significant role in supporting food security and sustainable food production worldwide.

The potato value chain also generates substantial economic benefits for the country, creating jobs, driving technological innovation, and strengthening the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in agricultural exports. Industry leaders noted that Dutch expertise in potato breeding, cultivation, storage, and processing continues to be recognized internationally.

Collaboration and Policy Support Key to Future Resilience

A key message from the meeting was that the sector’s success depends on close cooperation across the entire potato value chain. Growers, trading companies, processors, research institutions, and government organizations all play an important role in maintaining the industry’s competitiveness and resilience.

Stakeholders stressed that continued investment in innovation, sustainability, and climate resilience will be essential to address future challenges. They also emphasized the need for an enabling business environment that allows companies to experiment, invest, and develop practical solutions.

Industry leaders, stakeholders, and political representatives network at the International Potato Day event in The Hague, focusing on cooperation, innovation, and the future resilience of the Dutch potato sector.

According to the NAO and its partners, maintaining the Netherlands’ leading international position requires ongoing trust and support from politicians and policymakers. With strong public-private cooperation, the Dutch potato chain can continue contributing to food security, economic growth, and sustainable agriculture in the Netherlands, Europe, and around the world. 

The International Potato Day meeting served as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between the sector and policymakers while reinforcing the strategic importance of potatoes as a driver of agricultural innovation, economic value, and global food security.