Netherlands: Diseases put pressure on potato cultivation worldwide
The Dutch government, research institutes and the business community must work together to realise sustainable solutions in pot
he mini-symposium is an initiative of Royal Avebe, BO Akkerbouw, LTO Nederland, NAO, Plantum and SeedNL. It was held in Zoetermeer, South Holland, on the occasion of International Potato Day. That day is celebrated on Friday 31 May at the initiative of the United Nations.
According to Heimovaara, the production and consumption of potatoes are growing rapidly, particularly in China, Africa and Latin America. ’Despite this, the potato is under pressure worldwide due to diseases such as phytophthora ’, she notes. ’It is up to the Dutch collaboration between government, research and entrepreneurial business to provide sustainable solutions for this.’
The Netherlands is among the top in the global processing of potatoes into products such as fries, starch and protein, emphasizes State Secretary Jean Rummenie of the Ministry of LVVN. ’In this way, the Netherlands contributes to global food security. The potato is efficient in water and land use and effective in terms of nutrition.’
Show Dutch potato
The Netherlands is the cradle of innovative potato cultivation, Rummenie praises. The State Secretary says he wants to do everything he can to maintain the leading position of the Dutch potato sector. ’We are the frontrunner in the development of resistant varieties. That is something to be proud of. I will ensure, together with the sector, that the Dutch potato is seen.’
Director Wampie Libon of Inclusive Green Growth at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the power of knowledge and innovation in the Dutch potato sector. ’That is exactly what the Netherlands is internationally praised for. Worldwide, most children die from hunger and malnutrition. In that light, I see an important role for the potato.’
Fuente: nieuweoogst.nl
