Gerard Backx, CEO of the Royal HZPC Group, says there is an imbalance in the Dutch seed potato market. He expects less volume of these potatoes to be available this season. Although there is a good tuber count in many areas, and the harvest should be successful, the wet summer significantly damaged some areas, according to a report published by FreshPlaza.
That reduces the availability of seed potatoes, delaying the supply from an already declining acreage. Despite these conditions, Gerard doubts this will cause a ware potato acreage shrinkage. Growers are finding creative solutions, like using ‘farm-saved seed.’ That, however, carries risks, such as increased disease pressure, especially if growers use unapproved seed potatoes for several consecutive years.
Gerard emphasizes the importance of tight planning and oversight in seed potato production. HZPC does both long and short-term planning and is in the process of implementing a new ERP system. It must help them keep a better overview and plan faster on a European scale.
The goal is to streamline internal processes, save labor, and better understand profitability by plot, variety, and grower. Although functions within the company will change, there is no intention to cut jobs. HZPC plans to use the freed-up time to focus on customers and growers better.
Source: FreshPlaza. Read the full story here
Image: Gerard Backx, CEO of the Royal HZPC Group. Credit HZPC | FreshPlaza
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