"A good variety offers growth potential"

"Customer demand and it being the best way to distinguish yourself," says Joris van der Lee, Commercieel Directeur van Agroplant's Commercial Director, about the company's increased focus on new, proprietary varieties. Agroplant, a seed potato company now in its fourth generation of family ownership, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. "We still work with several freely-pollinated varieties, such as Spunta, Agria, and Desirée. We just want to introduce more of our varieties because our buyers want potatoes that will set them apart from the competition from other trading houses."

Proprietary varieties mean growth
For Agroplant, which is active globally in 60 countries, proprietary varieties are not just a way to serve customers but also a vital future growth strategy. "Growth very much depends on how the varieties develop in the coming years. A good variety means you have the potential to grow," says Joris. The company focuses on three segments: ware, export, and French fry potatoes.

One of their success stories is the Actrice variety, a pale yellow ware potato. It is hardly grown in the Netherlands, but they sell it via licensed cultivation in 32 countries, including Canada and the US."It's washable and highly virus-resistant, so it suits international markets well."

Resistance and sustainability
The red-skinned Kyra is a new highlight in the range. Its excellent disease resistance and washability make it remarkable. "With crop protection agents being reduced in Western Europe, resistances are becoming increasingly important. Growers need varieties that can hold up against viruses, bacteria, and nematodes," Joris explains. Kyra performs well in the Netherlands as well as in countries where red-skinned potatoes are popular.

French fry market opportunities
Agroplant also focuses heavily on the expanding French fry market in both Western Europe and regions such as the Middle East, where new French fry factories are springing up. For that market, the company has introduced the promising Baroque variety. It requires little nitrogen and thrives in various climates. "This young variety is currently being tested worldwide, offering great potential. More new varieties will be arriving soon, too."

Test fields and stability
Closer to home, Agroplant has test fields in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France to test new varieties' quality and market potential. They do so at overseas clients in Spain, Morocco, Egypt, and the Middle East, too. "Some varieties have been developed specifically for local conditions, but we strive for a minimum of 50 hectares per variety to keep cultivation and sales stable," Joris concludes, adding that it is hard to stay profitable with small, niche varieties.

For more information:
Agroplant Holland
Tel: +31 (0)227 541217
info@agroplant.nl
www.agroplant.nl