Frequently Asked Questions

Agrico is a powerful cooperative, driving innovation in the potato sector. We work to strengthen and enhance the sustainability of potato value chains by supplying strong, innovative potato varieties all around the world, that are perfectly suited to local climate conditions and markets.  

Agrico operates as a cooperative, headquartered in the Netherlands, with 12 offices across the globe. We collaborate closely with growers, distributors and processors to build a stronger, more sustainable potato value chain.

Agrico is a cooperative founded by and for its members. Each member is a co-owner and plays an active role in decision-making. Members also act as suppliers, signing a cultivation contract with the cooperative each year. The cooperative is made up of various organizational units, each with its own tasks and responsibilities. Want to learn more about how Agrico operates as a cooperative? 

Through continuous growth in professionalism of the organization, we ensure better quality cultivation, with a strong focus on innovation, people and the environment. Our growth is driven by the increasing global demand for seed potatoes. We develop the best varieties for existing and emerging markets, both conventionally and organically grown. In an inspiring environment, we work on optimal growth for all our stakeholders.

Through continuous growth in professionalism of the organization, we ensure better quality cultivation, with a strong focus on innovation, people and the environment. Our growth is driven by the increasing global demand for seed potatoes. We develop the best varieties for existing and emerging markets, both conventionally and organically grown. In an inspiring environment, we work on optimal growth for all our stakeholders.

Our Next Generation varieties are innovative potato varieties with natural resistance to the potato disease late blight. These varieties contribute to more sustainable farming practices, by minimizing the need for plant protection products. Curious to learn more about our Next Generation potato varieties? 

Agrico Research is Agrico’s breeding company, located in Bant(Netherlands)). It is home to a 4,000 m2 greenhouse complex, used for the development of new potato varieties and intensive research activities.

Agrico has consciously chosen to use globally accepted breeding methods that are free from public controversy. Our potato varieties are developed through traditional breeding methods, without the use of genetic modification. However, marker-assisted breeding is used, which allows Agrico Research to take specific genetic markers – such as those linked to late blight resistance – into account when crossing parent plants.

Phytophthora infestans, also known as late blight, is a hot topic in the potato world. This aggressive pathogen can completely destroy a potato crop within just a couple of weeks. It infects the leaves and stems and can also infect the tubers if not controlled by crop protection products.

After years of intensive breeding work, Agrico made history in 2018 as the first trading company to launch a full range of potatoes with a natural protection against late blight: the Next Generation potatoes. Would you like to learn more about our Next Generation potato varieties? 

Agrico is committed to food security and food safety by cultivating innovative potato varieties and enhancing sustainable potato value chains around the world. Agrico’s sustainable breeding program enhances cultivation potential – even in challenging environments – while continually improving crop quality. We are also taking tangible steps to reduce our environmental impact. By adopting cleaner transport solutions and increasing the use of inland shipping, we are actively reducing CO2 emissions associated with our logistics.

We do this by electrifying our vehicle fleet, making our buildings more energy-efficient and using renewable energy sources. Where possible we are making use of cleaner trucks and increased inland shipping to help lower CO₂ emissions associated with our transport movements. We also offset the travel-related emissions of our own staff, including air travel. Our growers contribute to biodiversity by creating flower and herb-rich field margins. Additionally, we have implemented an environmental monitoring tool – our “environmental barometer” at all branches and subsidiaries. This tool allows us to calculate and monitor the CO₂ footprint of each individual company.

The potato is by nature a highly sustainable crop due to its low water consumption and high yield relative to the soil area in which it is cultivated. As the world’s most widely grown food crop, it plays a vital role in combating hunger, poverty and climate change. 
Developing potato varieties suited to different climates and soil types across the globe is a core part of Agrico’s mission. Through our sustainability-driven breeding program, we help expand the potential of potato cultivation – even in regions with challenging growing conditions – while continuously improving crop quality. 
Agrico works closely with local farmers and growers to share our knowledge and expertise in sustainable agriculture. We achieve this through training programs and partnerships with research institutions. In developing countries, Agrico supports the creation of local potato value chains and improves access to high-quality seed potatoes.

Next Generation potato varieties are developed with natural protection against late blight. This minimizes the need for crop protection products, reduces the impact on the environment and contributes to more sustainable potato cultivation. Our Next Generation varieties also directly contribute to yield security for growers by greatly reducing the risk of crop failure.

Agrico is certified under ISO 26000, the international standard for corporate social responsibility. In addition, our seed potatoes are certified by the NAK (General Inspection Service for Agricultural Seed and Seed Potatoes) and meet strict quality and sustainability standards set by various international certification units.

Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of Agrico Research. Our breeding programs are specifically designed to develop potato varieties that are not only resistant to diseases but that can also withstand the effects of extreme weather conditions. In addition, we investigate how genetic traits can enhance the efficiency of water and nutrient use in crops.

Agrico’s seed potatoes are independently certified by the NAK (General Inspection Service for Agricultural Seed and Seed Potatoes).

This is our testing and inspection facility where we analyze the quality of our potatoes, checking for the presence of disease, germination capacity and processing quality.

At Agrico’s Quality Center, we make sure that each potato is suitable for its intended purpose. The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art line, with various cameras, brushes, washing, scraping, laser and weighing units which contribute to the quality assessment of the potatoes.

Would you like to learn more about the Agrico Quality Center? 

Various factors are important in order to be able to supply high-quality seed potatoes. Much of this quality assurance work is done at the Agrico Quality Center, where we can determine the quality of the potatoes.

This is where we assess samples from every batch that we are  selling or intending to sell. We assess the quality of both the interior and exterior of the potatoes. We check for the presence of diseases and determine the germination capacity). We ascertain the sizing and the underwater weight. And we also determine the quality of the potatoes in terms of their suitability for transport and long-term storage.

The cultivation of mini tubers plays a vital role in Agrico’s production of high-quality seed potatoes for its growers and buyers. Mini tubers serve as the foundation for Agrico’s highest classes of pre-basic material.
By overseeing the storage of the mini tubers ourselves, we can guarantee the quality of our seed propagation materials.
This control allows us to strictly adhere with phytosanitary standards. Since the mini tubers are kept isolated from other agricultural produce, the risk of disease transmission is minimized. 

• Processing industry (French fries, potato chips)
• Retail (supermarkets)
• Traditional markets
• Organic cultivation

Agrico supplies specially developed potato varieties ideal for producing french fries, potato chips and other processed potato products.

Agrico exports seed potatoes to over 80 countries worldwide.

Through an efficient logistics network and strong partnerships with trusted transport providers.

Yes, Agrico works with local growers and distribution partners to propagate seed potatoes locally.

Agrico works with growers, distributors and research institutes. Please contact us to discuss potential partnership opportunities.

Agrico has established strong partnerships with growers, governments, research institutes and international food supply chains.

Agrico supports growers by sharing knowledge, providing technical assistance and supplying certified seed potatoes.