Major Processing Companies Team up for Research Project

Ten Dutch companies from the potato chain have established a new association: Holland Innovative Potato (HIP), with the goal to facilitate research which leads to higher quality, yield and efficiency in the cultivation, transport and processing of the potato.

The project is financed by “Nederlandse Wetenschappelijke Organisatie voor Onderzoek (NWO)”, research area '”Toegepaste en technische wetenschappen” (TTW), the members of Holland Innovative Potato and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, according to boerderij.nl.

Research applications can be submitted to NWO-TTW. The research is divided into projects and EUR4.5m is available for the first research project. This project focuses on improving yield and quality, with emphasis on genetics and agronomy (agriculture).

The members of HIP are Avebe, Aviko, Farm Frites, McCain, Lamb Weston Meijer, PepsiCo, Bejo, HZPC, Meijer and Solynta and the two trade organizations NAO (trade) and VAVI (processors). The research project must be able to show actual results in practice in 2027. HIP wants to strengthen the potato's importance as a third food crop (after wheat and rice) in the world.

HIP members have appointed a board for three years. These are Dick Zelhorst (Aviko), Robert Graveland (HZPC) and Dick Hylkema (NAO). Hylkema is also chairman. Bernard de Geus is the coordinator, while Hylke Brunt (VAVI) is secretary of the boards.