News on Potato Cultivation from the Netherlands

Aviko's 2026 Annual Growers' Meeting reviewed the 2025 harvest, announced pool prices, and discussed market developments ahead of the 2026 crop. The meeting also highlighted collaboration across the potato value chain.

Around 70 Dutch seed potato growers watched an autonomous robot identify virus-infected plants during a field demonstration. The robot marks infected plants for easier manual removal, while automated removal is being explored for future versions.

AVR has strengthened its Dutch dealer network by appointing Kamps de Wild Beilen as its official dealer. The company takes over the former Selles Agrotechniek territory, boosting sales, service, parts availability and customer support.

Potato Business School completed its June 15–18 international training course, giving participants practical experience across the potato value chain through presentations, company visits and hands-on sessions.

Potato Demo Day 2026 has opened visitor registration for its September event in Westmaas. The programme includes more than 120 exhibitors, 25 knowledge sessions, machinery demonstrations, a Startup Plaza and activities covering the potato value chain

Royal HZPC Group CEO Hans Huistra joined Narendra Modi and top Dutch CEOs in The Hague to strengthen India–Netherlands cooperation, reinforcing HZPC’s growing strategic presence in India.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Royal HZPC Group posts a strong 2024/25: revenue €525 M (USD 603 M), tonnage 1 M+, net profit €17.1 M (USD 19.8 M). Growers get €10.90 (USD 12.5) dividend. New varieties excel in French‑fry, chips, export and fresh markets, with acreage expected to grow further.

On August 27, 2025, industry leaders met in the Netherlands for the conference Europe’s Place in a Changing Potato World, co-organised by Potato Europe, Europatat and World Potato Markets during Potato Europe 2025.

PotatoEurope 2025 set records with 17,268 visitors from 107 countries on Sept 3-4 in Lelystad, Netherlands. Live demos, trial fields, and top innovations like Croptimal’s Croptiscan 9000 highlighted the event. Next edition: Sept 9-10, 2026, Germany.

PotatoEurope 2025 takes place 3–4 Sept. at WUR Lelystad with 300+ exhibitors & visitors from 119 countries. Highlights: trial harvests, ICM & market conferences, live demos from harvest to sorting, and innovation test fields.

Following the successful introduction of the Spirit 9200i in 2024, AVR is now launching the Spirit 9200i VW: all the strengths of AVR’s most recent trailed harvester, completed with the patented Varioweb cleaning system.

PotatoEurope 2025, set for 3–4 Sept in Lelystad, Netherlands, showcases live machinery demos, smart agri-tech, and innovations in potato farming. With 300+ exhibitors and 15,000 visitors, it’s the premier hub to innovate, network, and grow.