A week ago, Niederösterreichische Saatzucht (NOES) presented its new potato varieties in the Waldviertel region of Austria. As Austria's only potato breeder and Europe's southernmost breeding company, the cooperative highlighted its ongoing breeding work and research focus.
The nearly 100-year-old company maintains a breeding approach centered on developing robust varieties suited to regional conditions. Due to its geographical location, local consumption habits, and specific climate, NOES' breeding lines differ from those of other European programs. This approach has previously led to the development of well-known varieties such as "Ditta" and "Hermes."
© NÖS
From left to right: Chairman Erich Kaltenböck, breeder Susanne Kirchmaier, and Managing Director Michael Buxbaum.
A sign of continuity and progress
With the handover of breeding management to DI Susanne Kirchmaier, NOES is sending a clear signal of continuity and progress. The new varieties combine the classic requirements profile of Austrian consumers with international market demands. Kirchmaier presented a series of innovative lines that expand the European breeding portfolio with interesting and forward-looking varieties. Today, the company has a broad portfolio – from table potatoes with all cooking properties to industrial varieties for French fries and chips to starch potatoes.
The event attracted around 200 visitors, including representatives of public institutions, producers, traders, and partners from ten countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Czechia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Albania, and Bosnia. International propagation and distribution partners such as Europlant (Germany) and Agrico (Netherlands) also took part.
© NÖS
Increasing efficiency and transparency in seed production
In his opening speech, Chairman Erich Kaltenböck announced the implementation of a modern quality monitoring system to further increase efficiency and transparency in seed production. Managing Director Michael Buxbaum explained the strategic vision and function of NOES, while Susanne Kirchmaier presented the latest varieties. Daniel Probst (Europlant) and Jeffrey Dijk (Agrico) provided a technical outlook on market trends.
The event demonstrated that Niederösterreichische Saatzucht is both rooted in tradition and innovatively forward-looking—a clear signal for the future of potato breeding in Austria and Europe.
© Billa
For more information:
Susanne Kirchmaier
NÖ.Saatbaugenossenschaft
Meires 25
3841 Windigsteig
Tel: +43 2842 52402
Fax: +43 2842 5402-41
[email protected]
www.noes.at
