News on Potato Varieties and Seed from Europe

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.

Potatoes in Practice 2026, Scotland's largest field-based potato event, will take place on Thursday, August 13, at The James Hutton Institute's Balruddery Farm in Invergowrie, near Dundee.

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

Diversos factores, tanto económicos, productivos, como del orden del comercio internacional contribuyen a una recalibración del sector de la patata local.

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.

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.

La campaña de patata temprana en España arrancó en el Campo de Cartagena con la variedad Soprano, destacada por su alta calidad y versatilidad, en una muestra de la resiliencia y capacidad competitiva de los productores locales.

EUROPLANT once again demonstrates its innovative strength by consistently translating advanced breeding results into tangible market success. This is based on close collaboration across the entire EUROPLANT Group

Breeders Trust warns of rising online sales of uncertified seed potatoes via Facebook groups, where ware potatoes are sold for planting, raising concerns over regulation and plant breeders' rights.

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.

El Gobierno Vasco presentó el Plan de la Patata y su Plan de I+D+i durante el V Foro AKIS en Arkaute, con amplio respaldo del sector, con el objetivo de reforzar la rentabilidad, impulsar la innovación y asegurar el futuro de la patata de siembra en Álava.

El 5 de marzo, el Foro AKIS reunirá en el Campus de Arkaute a productores, empresas e instituciones para presentar y debatir el Plan Sectorial de la Patata, con foco en el Plan de I+D+i de la patata de siembra, promoviendo la colaboración y la transferencia de conocimiento para fortalecer la competitividad del sector en Euskadi.

A first-of-its-kind low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has successfully grown its first crop of highly sustainable potatoes that will land in UK stores this week, thanks to a partnership between retailer Tesco and industry leader Branston.

Branston South West GM Jonathan Taylor will retire in March 2026 after nearly a decade leading major growth and £9m upgrades at Ilminster. Simon Jones, a long-serving operations leader, takes over to drive capacity, sustainability and innovation.

Albert Bartlett partners with Kate Hardcastle MBE to revive Britain’s love of potatoes. Their ‘Make Mealtimes Matter’ campaign promotes spuds as affordable, nutritious staples amid rising living costs.