"In recent years, the association has proven that it can react quickly and comprehensively to current developments. The high degree of self-sufficiency of the potato in Germany is an asset worth protecting. Our dialogs with politicians at all levels show that we can effectively represent the concerns and interests of the potato sector. The board and all members will continue this work in the coming years," said Thomas Herkenrath (Fa. Fritz Jungnickel GmbH& Co.KG.), the old and new president of the DKHV (German Potato Trade Association).
The 17th general meeting of the DKHV unanimously confirmed Herkenrath in this position. Also confirmed were Carsten Heilmann (Heilmann AG) and Erik Richter (Friweika eG) as his deputies. Olaf Kleinlein (Böhmer Group) and Johann Dittenhauser Jun. (Agropa Handels GmbH) were also elected as new deputies. Herkenrath thanked all departing board colleagues for their many years of trusting and committed work, which has enriched the association's work with important contributions. With the newly constituted board, which has a total of 25 members, the association is well positioned for the future and will continue to be an important voice in the association landscape.
Dr. Sebastean Schwarz (UNIKA), Member of the Landtag Dr. Sylva Rahm-Präger (SPD) and DKHV President Thomas Herkenrath.
Prof. Dr. Peter Schuhmann was appointed the first honorary member in the association's history. This was in recognition of the life's work of Prof. Schuhmann, who has lived for the potato for more than 50 professional years.
A large part of the general meeting was devoted to information and discussion of technical topics. Andreas Meyer (head of the Dethlingen Experimental Station) presented the latest results of the station's work. The committee chairmen gave brief reports on the work of the committees.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Leading position in seed potato production
At the association's evening event, President Herkenrath warmly welcomed Elisabeth Aßmann (r), State Secretary for Agriculture of the Ministry for Climate Protection, Agriculture, Rural Areas and the 
Environment of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, who praised the achievements of the potato industry in her welcoming speech. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the second largest federal state in propagation production after Lower Saxony, the state secretary explained. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the only state in Germany with legally protected healthy areas (closed cultivation areas) that are particularly suitable for seed potato production. This unique selling point has led to all the major potato growers being represented in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The State Secretary emphasized that the state would continue to support the industry.
Finally, DKHV members met with members of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Committee for Climate Protection, Agriculture and the Environment (Agricultural Committee).
Crop expansion in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Chairwoman Dr. Sylva Rahm-Präger (SPD) and other committee members discussed a wide range of topics with DKHV members - always centered on the demand not only to maintain potato production in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but to support cultivation expansion.
The demand for domestic potatoes was growing due to the expansion of processing capacities in Hagenow and Stavenhagen. Many of the problems and demands named by the members were known, Dr. Rahm-Präger said, and she followed up on others in order to be able to provide support. Dr. Schwarz, managing director of the DKHV, asked in his conclusion to continue the dialogue and in particular to bring in the positions of the potato industry in legislative procedures with state participation.
A guided tour of Schwerin Castle, which is the seat of the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, concluded the intensive, eventful and successful days.
Pictures: DKHV
Weitere Informationen:
www.dkhv.org