Netherlands: “Still no Phytophthora-resistant potato variety.”

Potatoes are among the first products that became available organically. A.C. Loogman & Zn, wholesaler in fresh produce, has been marketing potatoes for over twenty years. The company in Amsterdam has its own network of organic growers, and about 10% of its supply is organic. According to Christine Loogman the market for organic taters is stabilizing.

In twenty years a lot has changed, says Christine. “The organic potato has come a long way. New varieties were added over time. Most of them are solid and sturdy.” Within the organic industry however, the potato is notorious: “Phytophthora remains a big problem.”

The market is still lacking a variety resistant against the dreaded plant disease. New varieties were developed in recent times that were able to cope slightly better, but Phytophthora (Greek for ‘the plant-destroyer’) remains elusive. “There are no organically sound pesticides that can tackle the disease,” says Christine. “The only way to slow it down is to burn the foliage. But that means no more growth.”

A.C. Loogman & Zn delivers throughout Europe.

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