Potato growers are facing an increasing challenge. The changing climate has long required a new approach to potato storage. Since the 2020 harvest has banned the germ inhibitor chlorpropham, a different approach is necessary. Mechanical cooling offers the solution, according to Marcel Bennink, storage specialist at ENGIE Refrigeration. This way of storage pays for itself in several respects.
The ban on chlorpropham means that growers have to look for a new storage method to keep their product calm. The sprout inhibitor brought life in the potatoes to a standstill, so that the quality of the product was preserved. What is the alternative now? Bennink: “There are substitutes for chlorpropham, for example organic, but they are a lot more expensive. And certainly then you want such an agent to do its job. If you apply these agents in a shed that is ventilated with the outside air, blow you immediately remove them when you want to cool your product during a cold night. That is an eternal waste. “
Control over product
In a closed storage environment, mechanical cooling not only allows you to control your product, the sprout inhibitors also remain inside. A golden combination. The closed storage environment ensures that you can regulate the temperature and humidity yourself. The different stages of the storage process are completely under control.
The computer continuously measures the temperature and humidity in the storage and adjusts the cooling capacity and the storage program to the cooling demand. The control of the installation regulates the system in such a way that it automatically adapts to the properties of the product. This way you always create the ideal conditions for your product. The potato goes ‘dormant’ so that the quality is preserved. Add sprout inhibitors to this and you will extend the storage time of your product considerably.
More than worth it
“That is certainly attractive for potato growers,” says Bennink. “Contracts that they conclude for late delivery deliver more. In addition, mechanical cooling is a sustainable choice because of the use of a natural refrigerant and a significant reduction in energy consumption. This means that if you invest in mechanical cooling, you are eligible for the Energy Investment Allowance. . “
“Finally, with mechanical cooling you have more product left over, more kilos. On the one hand because the potatoes only dry up to a maximum of 3%, on the other hand because rot nests will not spread. So you can not only keep your product longer, you also keep more high-quality product for sale. That makes it more than worth the investment for many French fries potato growers. “
