NEWS OVERVIEW
Agrico News
Stay up to date with the latest news from Agrico! On this page, you’ll find updates on innovations, events, and developments in the potato sector. From new varieties and sustainability initiatives to international collaborations – discover what’s happening within our organization and in the world of potatoes.
Agrico continues to grow in acreage and varieties
Cooperative Agrico continues to grow in acreage of seed potatoes and in its variety portfolio. General director Mark Zuidhof said this at the opening of the Variety and Seedling Show held today and tomorrow. This year alone, three new potato varieties from Agrico have been added to the National Varieties List.
Challenging weather conditions justify demonstration centre
Weather conditions are one of the main factors affecting the yield of potatoes. This year was a challenging year in Ukraine. “Therefore, farmers were forced to invest more in technology and high-quality varieties, as well as be more careful about the use of plant protection products, to ensure the proper quality of potatoes”, says Nick Gordiichuk, Director of Agrico Ukraine.
Delegation Dutch Ministry of Agriculture visited Agrico Ukraine
A delegation from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) visited Ukraine in the end of September. The representatives also visited Agrico Ukraine, where they were given an explanation about the project ‘Rebuilding Potato Ukraine’, an initiative of Agrico and the APH Group.
Picasso variety champion during Potato Ukraine 2024
The Agrico variety Picasso was voted as best (highest yielding) potato variety during Potato Ukraine 2024. Picasso gave high yields despite difficult weather conditions during the growing season. Other Agrico-varieties also scored high marks. Among top 5 varieties, 3 Agrico varieties: Picasso, Ranomi, Spectra.
Buyer and seed potato grower Nick Gordiichuk and Jaap de Zeeuw
Arizona is one of the fastest growing varieties within the portfolio of Agrico. In Ukraine, Arizona is the No. 1 potato variety. Seed potato grower Jaap de Zeeuw visited buyer Nick Gordiichuk in mid-March in Ukraine. They talk about their special friendship, what it is like to growing potatoes in Ukraine and why the Arizona variety is so popular in Ukraine.
Mark Zuidhof looks back on Potato Europe with satisfaction
On 11 and 12 September we were at Potato Europe with our French subsidiary Desmazières. Agrico managing director Mark Zuidhof looks back on the international potato fair with a satisfied feeling.
Appointment Executive Board Agrico
Mark Zuidhof will be appointed COO of Agrico as of 16 September. Together with current director Jan van Hoogen (CEO), he will form the Statutory Board of Agrico. Jan van Hoogen will step down as director as of 1 January 2024. Agrico will again have a one-man leadership with Mark Zuidhof as CEO from that moment on.
Good Ukrainian Potato Friday
Supplying modern potato farming equipment to Agrico Ukraine is one important part of our 'Rebuilding Potato Ukraine' project. On Good Friday, APH shipped the first machines from Heerenveen in the Netherlands to Ukraine. Upon arrival, APH will educate Agrico Ukraine’s trainers on how to handle these state-of-the-art machines correctly. Very soon, Ukrainian farmers will be able to see the added value of this equipment at Agrico Ukraine’s climate-smart demo center. Naturally, the machines will also be used by Agrico UA for its own seed and table potato production. This way, it will immediately contribute to food security in Ukraine. Indeed, it was a 'Good Ukrainian Potato Friday'!
Pragmatic solution to food systems transformation
Michel de Bruin drives Agrico’s expansion in emerging markets and leads global partnerships for food systems transformation. He plays a key role in regions such as Kenya, Tanzania, Ukraine, China, and India. All markets that are part of the geopolitical powerplay as explained earlier by Rob de Wijk. Michel’s understanding of local contexts and the difference that passionate people can make, has been instrumental in driving the success of these initiatives. As a practical food systems expert, he brings a unique blend of experience and passion for emerging markets to our symposium.