Varieties for every segment and continent

Lüneburg, November 2024 | The traditional OPEN DAYS took place in early November to attract potato enthusiasts from around the world to the Netherlands. Held annually, the event offers a unique opportunity to learn about potato varieties, breeding, and the latest industry developments.

As usual, the EUROPLANT variety exhibition took place at the facilities of Ten Brinke in Creil. The new concept for presenting the more than 50 potato varieties on display, including many promising new varieties, was very well received by the numerous visitors. This year's motto ‘Varieties for all segments and continents’ reflects the diversity of the range, which is tailored to the different requirements of global markets. 

A key focus was on the two French fry varieties ETANA and DONATA. Thanks to their robust root system, they also perform very well in dry and warm conditions. ‘In this way, we ensure a good harvest for farmers and a reliable supply of raw materials for the industry, even under extreme growing conditions,’ explains Jan Janse, Managing Director of EUROPLANT Aardappel B.V. ’And with SARATOGA RUSSET, MELANIE, KERREN and THEDA, we are introducing additional young varieties that follow this breeding approach and also guarantee high yields with low input.’

Another important focus of the exhibition was on varieties with broad resistance to late blight - another important factor for yield security. These include the ware potatoes OTOLIA and TAORMINA. ‘We want varieties with combined resistance. Resistance based on many genes is more challenging to breed, but also harder to overcome,’ says Janse. ‘In other words, we want a sustainable solution rather than a quick fix.”’

There was also a reason to celebrate - the host EUROPLANT Aardappel B.V. celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. At the traditional Open Days dinner, Jörg Renatus, Managing Director of the parent company EUROPLANT Pflanzenzucht GmbH, used the anniversary to look back on the company's successful development. "I would like to thank everyone for the excellent cooperation," said Renatus. "It's great to have such a young, motivated and talented team here in Holland. I´m looking forward to future successes."

Overall, the Open Days 2024 were a complete success. ‘We were able to welcome significantly more visitors this year. This shows us that we have created an excellent platform for dialogue and the presentation of new varieties that are essential for the sustainable future of the industry,’ says Janse.

2024 11 EUROPLANT PR_Full house at Open Days 2024 (PDF)