News on The Potato Supply Chain from the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the weak table potato market, fewer contracts and disappointing exports are putting pressure on the seed potato market. HZPC and Agrico describe the current situation as a market correction following exceptionally strong years.

Aardappeldemodag has started planting activities for Aardappeldemodag 2026, with 2.5 hectares of the potato variety Libra planted last week.

Wageningen University & Research starts new field trials with genetically modified potatoes. The potatoes tested in these field trials have been genetically modified by adding or switching off multiple genes.

Zoetermeer - The Dutch Potato Organisation welcomes the National Potato Week initiative, organised by No Waste Army. Additional attention for potatoes fits with the sector's ambitions to stimulate consumption and reduce food waste.

Royal Avebe has completed the potato campaign for the 2025 growing year. The potato starch factories in the Netherlands and Germany operated well and steadily during the campaign.

New trials in Europe will evaluate genetically modified potatoes with enhanced resistance to diseases such as late blight, aiming to reduce pesticide use and provide evidence for the regulatory debate on new genomic techniques.

Clara Polzer moved from Munich to Friesland this summer for her new position as Head of Breeding Fresh Markets at HZPC Research. During the interview, the German thirty-something already speaks Dutch well.

Van der Linde family grows its seed potato business in Krummhörn through innovation, quality, and strong partnership with HZPC, expanding from 45 to 196 hectares while investing in modern storage, sorting, and sustainable farming technologies.

Behind every French fry lies a world of innovation. From the first cross in the greenhouse to the perfectly fried product on a dinner plate – it’s a journey that depends on knowledge, technology, and collaboration.

Northwest Europe faces a potato oversupply after acreage expanded to over 600,000 ha, adding about 5 million tons since 2022. Jan van Hoogen says growers should reduce acreage and be patient for two years while the market finds balance.

The NAV Working Group for Potatoes for Consumption (WCA) has again estimated the cost price for the coming season (2026). In recent years, from the 2022 harvest through 2025, potato growers have faced a significant increase in cost prices.

DLG Benelux has officially changed its name to DLG Markets Benelux, effective immediately. The rebranding aligns with DLG International’s transition to DLG Markets and reinforces the organization’s focus on serving global and regional agri-food markets.1

Restrain®, a specialist in residue-free technology for potato production and storage, has appointed Van Iperen BV as the distributor of Restrain Accumulator in the Netherlands.

Dutch arable farming plays an important role in national food security. Members of Parliament were able to experience this firsthand on Wednesday 3 December.

Lamb Weston, HAI, Radboud University and ISPT are advancing potato processing with AI and hyperspectral imaging to boost quality, reduce waste and improve efficiency. Lamb Weston experts say the technology enables consistent supply and faster, deeper quality predictions.

Egyptian sweet potatoes are gaining ground in Europe as demand rises. Short transit times, lower costs, and better storage boost supply. Dutch production struggles with low yields, while growing consumer interest and ready-to-eat trends drive market growth.

The 2025 table potato storage season emphasizes energy-efficient, quality-focused storage. Using Tolsma Grisnich solutions, smart ventilation, and precise temperature control reduces costs, weight loss, and sprout inhibitor use, boosting yield and profits despite market challenges.

Potato Demo Day 2026 will be held on 2 September 2026 in Westmaas, focusing on knowledge sharing, innovation, and networking. New highlights include the Startup Square and live demos, alongside key programs like the Young Farmers Program and Knowledge Barn.