Fiwap Patat'up

Patat'up aims to achieve an effective reduction of inputs in potato crop by studying alternative, ecologically intensive and resilient systems for both the fresh market and industrial processing. High-performance technical itineraries that break with current techniques are analysed and compared.

A multifactorial approach combines the following levers: 1. Use of a wider rangeof robust varieties. 2. Use of innovative cropping techniques to reduce inputs and improve soil conservation. 3. Test of the taste, nutritional and processing qualities of potatoes so that they can be effectively used by operators.

The evaluation of the different cropping models is done from a technical, environmental, and economic point of view. In addition, the possibilities of local valorization of the production are also evaluated by integrating the different actors of the sector.

The Patat'up project emphasises a strong link between research and the potato sector in order to obtain, at the end of the project, concrete results that meet the needs of the sector.

This dynamic is established through regular communication on the objectives of the project and the trials set up, during agricultural fairs, fields visits or round tables during which the stakeholders in the sector are invited to share their opinions on the trials and present their needs.

Thus, through a project like Patat'up, new techniques and itineraries are tested and analysed to meet the needs of the sector. Once validated, these practices will be proposed to farmers who will be able to integrate them into their production system and be ready to meet the Walloon and European objectives of input reduction.