DKHV Potato Specialist training begins with first module in Hermannsburg

The first module of the German Potato Trade Association's (DKHV) "Potato Specialist" training program took place this week in Hermannsburg, Germany. Around 20 participants from across the country, ranging from newcomers to experienced industry professionals, attended the two-day event to deepen their knowledge of potatoes and gain practical insights into different stages of the potato value chain.

The program began with an introduction to the origin, botany and cultivation conditions of potatoes in Germany, presented by Katrin Mauthe of the DKHV. External speakers and certified instructors then provided an overview of cultivation methods, growing conditions, quality requirements and crop rotation systems. 
 

Focus on crop protection and field assessment

A key part of the training focused on crop protection, including major potato pests and diseases as well as field inspection methods based on the Berlin Agreements. Participants received practical guidance on evaluating crop health and identifying disease symptoms.

Participants in the DKHV Potato Specialist training program take part in a field demonstration focused on potato crop assessment, plant health and disease identification in Hermannsburg, Germany.

In the teaching and demonstration garden of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture, Carsten Tschentscher demonstrated the differences between healthy and infected potato plants and explained common damage symptoms observed in the field. The combination of classroom instruction and practical demonstrations helped participants better understand the topics covered.

Additional practical insights were provided by certified instructor Nikolaus Schackmann, who presented a range of diseased potato plants and tubers for examination.
 

Nikolaus Schackmann, Certified Instructor:

"It is important to me to pass on enthusiasm for potatoes, and that is exactly what we achieved during these two days."

The program also included an evening networking event, giving participants an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen professional connections within the potato sector.
 

Potato breeding and future training modules

On the second day, certified instructor Max Schümann presented the latest developments in potato breeding. Topics included modern breeding techniques, current challenges facing breeding programs and the importance of maintaining breeding lines.

Feedback from participants was positive, with many highlighting the expertise of the speakers, the practical relevance of the content and the successful combination of theory and hands-on learning.

Industry professionals attend a classroom session during the first module of the DKHV Potato Specialist training program, covering potato cultivation, crop protection and breeding topics.

Participant feedback:

"The speakers communicated their expertise exceptionally well through personal experience and practical examples."

The training program will continue this autumn with a second module in Mönchengladbach. Further information about the "Potato Specialist" qualification and registration for future courses is available from the German Potato Trade Association.