Author: Aadarsh Patel | EQMint
What’s the deal? Dutch potato cooperative Agrico has shared lessons on building stronger and more sustainable potato sectors, with a focus on quality seed potatoes, farmer training, local supply chains and partnerships. The insights come from Michel de Bruin, Agrico’s Business Innovation & Development Manager, in SeedNL’s Private Sector Spotlight, published by PotatoPro on October 11, 2026.
Why now? Potato growers face different challenges across markets, including access to certified seeds, changing weather, production costs and gaps in market infrastructure. Agrico argues that sector development must reflect local farming conditions, regulations and commercial realities. Quality seeds are only the first step.
Agrico says high-quality planting material can improve productivity, but results also depend on crop management, available inputs, weather and farmers’ access to markets.
The company points to a wider need for farmer training and support. Its operations in Kenya combine certified seed potato production with guidance on crop management and profitable farming practices.
What it means: Agrico identifies 3 connected parts of a strong potato sector:
- Production: Suitable varieties, quality seeds and practical cultivation knowledge.
- Markets: Reliable demand, distribution networks and viable returns for farmers.
- Enabling environment: Certification systems, import rules and regulations that support production and investment.
These parts need to work together. Better seeds have limited impact if farmers lack the knowledge, finance or market access needed to use them effectively.
Agrico’s discussion also links higher yields with more efficient resource use. Its example compares productivity of 6 tonnes per hectare with 36 tonnes per hectare. At the higher yield, farmers can produce the same volume using less land, potentially reducing the resources needed per kilogram of potatoes. Actual results depend on growing conditions and farming practices.
What’s next? Agrico plans to continue investing in new potato varieties. Its research facilities in Bant, the Netherlands, are undergoing a redevelopment involving around €15 million, with an official opening planned for November 2026, according to PotatoPro. The investment is intended to support breeding work for changing growing conditions and market needs.
EQMint Take on sustainable potato sectors
Agrico’s message puts the wider farming system at the centre of potato sector development. Better seed quality, farmer knowledge, reliable markets and practical policies all affect whether productivity gains can last.
For potato-producing regions, the priority is to build local capacity and partnerships around farmers’ needs. Flexible plans can help the sector respond as climate conditions, costs and market demand change.
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