Pioneering Resistance: Agrico’s Latest Additions to the Dutch Variety List.
In an exciting development for the potato industry, Cooperative Agrico has introduced three new potato varieties at their recent Variety and Seedling Show held in Emmeloord, Netherlands. These innovative varieties – Sidney, Leonore, and Janick – have been officially added to the Dutch National Varieties List, marking a new chapter in sustainable potato cultivation.
Next Generation Varieties: A Leap Towards Sustainability
This year’s show was dedicated to Agrico’s “Next Generation” varieties, showcasing a selection of potatoes with enhanced resistance to Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for late blight. This focus on disease resistance represents a crucial step towards more sustainable and resilient potato farming practices.
Meet the New Varieties
- Sidney: A variety designed for high-quality fries production, featuring long, oval tubers, excellent dry matter content, and high yield. This variety embodies Agrico Research’s commitment to innovation and quality in the processing sector.
- Leonore: An early fries variety that boasts high yield early in the season. Its attractive skin also makes it suitable for the early ware market, demonstrating Agrico’s ability to create versatile varieties.
- Janick: A unique addition to the lineup, Janick was bred by Henrik Pedersen of the Danish AKV Langholt. It offers high yield and high dry matter content, with improved late blight resistance making it a compelling choice for both seed and starch potato growers. Janick is licensed for cultivation in Denmark and will be marketed globally under Agrico’s Semagri brand, highlighting the company’s international collaborations.
BioSelect and Semagri: Strengthening Brand Identity
The Variety and Seedling Show also marked a significant milestone for Agrico’s brand strategy:
- Semagri made its debut appearance as an Agrico brand at the show, with Janick as a flagship variety in its portfolio.
- BioSelect varieties, a staple at previous shows, were presented alongside Semagri.
- Both BioSelect and Semagri will now be showcased under their own corporate identities, reinforcing Agrico’s diverse portfolio.
Investing in the Future: New Research Facilities
Agrico’s commitment to maintaining its leading position in potato variety development is evident in its ambitious plans for expansion:
“At around 15 million euros, it will be the largest investment in Agrico’s history.”
This statement from Zuidhof underscores the scale of Agrico’s commitment to innovation. The construction of new laboratories at Agrico Research is set to commence immediately following the variety show, with completion expected by the summer of 2026.
A New Era in Potato Breeding
The introduction of Sidney, Leonore, and Janick, each with their unique characteristics and applications, along with the emphasis on Next Generation varieties resistant to late blight, signals Agrico’s dedication to addressing the evolving challenges in potato cultivation. By combining innovative breeding techniques, international collaboration, and significant investment in research facilities, Agrico is not just introducing new varieties – it’s shaping the future of sustainable potato farming across various market segments.
