EUROPLANT and Finpom Highlight Finland Seed Potato Advantage Amid Rising Virus Pressure in Europe

Climate change is increasing the risk of potato virus transmission in Central Europe and making it more difficult to produce healthy, high-quality seed potatoes in the highest seed grades. Finland's cool climate, harsh winters and low aphid pressure provide a significant plant health advantage.

Finpom Oy, a subsidiary of EUROPLANT based in Tyrnävä in northern Finland, has become a major producer and multiplier of high-grade seed potatoes. Production is centred in the high-grade seed potato production zone covering the municipalities of Tyrnävä and Liminka, where special requirements are in place to safeguard the production of high-quality seed potatoes.

Aphids are responsible for transmitting some of the most significant potato viruses. As the climate in Central Europe becomes warmer, aphid activity begins earlier and the period favourable for virus transmission becomes longer.

Aphid pressure is considerably lower in northern Finland. The peach-potato aphid, an efficient vector of potato leafroll virus, is unable to establish a permanently overwintering population in the high-grade zone. Aphids that transmit potato virus Y are also significantly less prevalent than in Europe's main potato-growing regions. 

Heikki Markus, Managing Director of Finpom Oy:

"Healthy seed is the foundation of the entire potato value chain. Finland's northern growing conditions, high-quality agricultural land and the expertise of our growers form a combination that is becoming increasingly important as the climate changes. Finpom is exceptionally well placed to serve potato producers both in Finland and elsewhere in Europe."

New varieties for different uses

In addition to producing high-grade seed potatoes, Finpom is actively developing the range of potato varieties available in Finland together with its parent company, EUROPLANT Pflanzenzucht GmbH.

The table potato varieties LARISSA and JUVENTA have been successfully introduced to the Finnish table potato market, especially in difficult growing conditions over the past years.

EUROPLANT's JUVENTA table potato variety, successfully introduced to the Finnish market and performing well under difficult growing conditions

For the early consumption potato market, Finpom has recently presented Filipa, which is expected to become an attractive variety for growers in the years ahead. Filipa combines first early maturity with an appealing appearance and is very tasty. 

Heikki Markus:

"Finnish seed potato expertise now has a strong opportunity to play an increasingly important role in high-class seed potatoes. We combine EUROPLANT's international breeding programme with Finland's exceptional production conditions and highly skilled growers."

EUROPLANT's LARISSA table potato variety, successfully introduced to the Finnish market and noted for its performance under challenging growing conditions

The crisp variety FAVOLA has demonstrated its resilience under current weather conditions in other European countries. Due to its excellent long-term storability, market demand for this variety is expected to grow. 

Christian Krahn, Export Manager of EUROPLANT:

"Extreme conditions need varieties for success - growing conditions across Europe have been very difficult, especially due to high temperatures and a shortage of rain over a very long period."

The INA table potato variety has taken center stage at many trial locations during this season.

EUROPLANT's INA table potato variety in field trials, where its broad nematode resistance, yield, sizing and robustness have stood out during the 2026 season

Christian Krahn:

"The broad nematode resistance and combination of yield, sizes and robustness are absolutely essential for the future."

EUROPLANT at PotatoEurope 2026

EUROPLANT will present its diverse potato variety portfolio at PotatoEurope 2026 at stand E93. Held in Gestorf, near Hanover, the event brings together potato growers, breeders, seed potato companies, researchers, processors and agricultural technology providers from around the world.

EUROPLANT's INA table potato variety combines broad nematode resistance with strong yield, tuber sizing and robustness