Monday, March 23rd
I visited NAO (Netherlands Potato Organization) at Den Haag. I was welcomed by R. van Diepen (Director), Karst Weening and Jan Gottschall. Mr. R. van Diepen gave a detailed presentation and we had a good discussion on the potato industry in the Netherlands. The organization strives for the continued success of the industry. Its primary functions include education, lobbying, research, promotion, collective contracts, participation in other associations, dispute resolution and information. They believe some of the key’s to their seed industry’s future success will be enabled by their strategic location to major international sea ports, favorable logistics to growing markets, their experienced producers, good soil and favorable climate. They also believe the continuation of their infrastructure will be important. Research and disease management will be key to their future success.
General Notes on the Netherlands Seed Sector:
- Country is only 7 times larger in area than PEI but has approximately 17 million people.
- Major crops include corn, potatoes, sugar beets, cereals and flowers.
- Most of the potato production is in coastal areas.
- They produce 155,000 ha of potatoes.
- 26% seed, 47% fresh & 28% processing
- Average potato yield is approximately 45 tons / ha.
- Moderate climate and good water supply.
- Excellent soil.
- Long history of potato production.
- 1650 producers.
- Most seed trade is via Co-op and private companies.
- Land being sold for 80-100,000 euros / ha. Major restriction on farms increasing in size.
- Overall theme seems to be get “better” rather than “bigger” (because high price of land).
I visited NAO (Netherlands Potato Organization) at Den Haag. I was welcomed by R. van Diepen (Director), Karst Weening and Jan Gottschall. Mr. R. van Diepen gave a detailed presentation and we had a good discussion on the potato industry in the Netherlands. The organization strives for the continued success of the industry. Its primary functions include education, lobbying, research, promotion, collective contracts, participation in other associations, dispute resolution and information. They believe some of the key’s to their seed industry’s future success will be enabled by their strategic location to major international sea ports, favorable logistics to growing markets, their experienced producers, good soil and favorable climate. They also believe the continuation of their infrastructure will be important. Research and disease management will be key to their future success.
General Notes on the Netherlands Seed Sector:
- Country is only 7 times larger in area than PEI but has approximately 17 million people.
- Major crops include corn, potatoes, sugar beets, cereals and flowers.
- Most of the potato production is in coastal areas.
- They produce 155,000 ha of potatoes.
- 26% seed, 47% fresh & 28% processing
- Average potato yield is approximately 45 tons / ha.
- Moderate climate and good water supply.
- Excellent soil.
- Long history of potato production.
- 1650 producers.
- Most seed trade is via Co-op and private companies.
- Land being sold for 80-100,000 euros / ha. Major restriction on farms increasing in size.
- Overall theme seems to be get “better” rather than “bigger” (because high price of land).