Aardappeldemodag 2026 Draws Over 4,500 Visitors as Dutch Potato Sector Faces Year of Extremes

The seventeenth edition of Aardappeldemodag took place in the midst of a highly eventful year for the potato sector. There was therefore no shortage of topics for discussion among the more than 4,500 visitors in Westmaas. On Wednesday, September 2, the entire Dutch potato sector came together for an informative and enjoyable day.

The year 2026 has been a year of extremes for the potato sector, something many speakers reflected on during the event. A difficult market situation was followed by an extremely dry and warm growing season. These are just two of the many challenges facing potato growers and companies in the sector. Speakers addressed these issues extensively during the knowledge sessions. 
 

Forward with the Fries!

Aardappeldemodag was opened by Richard Harrison, Managing Director Plant Sciences Group at Wageningen University and Research. He also reflected on the dynamics of the potato sector and what they demand from everyone working within it.

Richard Harrison, Managing Director Plant Sciences Group at Wageningen University and Research:

"Wageningen UR is doing its part by conducting even more research in the sector, together with industry. We do this for and together with the people working in the sector."

According to Harrison, there is only one way forward:

Richard Harrison:

"Forward with the fries!"

Demonstrations Draw Strong Interest

During the previous edition, the potato trade event for the Netherlands took a completely different direction, with much greater emphasis on knowledge sharing and networking.

Leanne Mol – Van de Erve, from the event organization:

"We have further refined this concept for this edition. This edition features fewer presentations overall, allowing us to focus more on in-depth content."

"In addition, the machinery demonstrations have returned in the form of an unloading-line and sorting demonstration. There was considerable interest in sorting and unloading potatoes into boxes from bottom-unloading trailers."

Potato sorting and unloading machinery demonstrations at Aardappeldemodag 2026.

Farm24 Wins Startup Competition

Another new feature at this edition was the Startup Plein, where four promising innovations for the potato sector competed against each other. The area attracted considerable interest throughout the day. Farm24 emerged as the winner in both the public vote and the jury's assessment.
 

Inspiration for the Potato Sector

What began in 2001 as a modest gathering for regional potato growers has grown over the past 25 years into the largest knowledge event for the potato sector in the Netherlands. The 2026 edition even saw an increase in the number of exhibitors, demonstrating that participating companies value the opportunities for knowledge sharing, in-depth discussion and networking.

PotatoNext, exhibitor:

"The event has once again shown us the strength of collaboration and knowledge sharing. We had many valuable conversations, made new contacts and, above all, gained a great deal of inspiration to continue building a future-proof potato supply chain together."

Potato trial plots on display during Aardappeldemodag 2026.

Next Edition Scheduled for 2028

While reflecting on a successful edition, the event organization is already looking ahead to the next one. It is scheduled for late August or early September 2028.

Leanne Mol – Van de Erve:

"The current edition has once again made it clear to us that we are on the right track. Together, we are doing everything we can to create another interesting and inspiring meeting place for the potato sector in two years."

Visitors and exhibitors meet among potato demonstration plots at Aardappeldemodag 2026.