The extension of the 2 out of 10 potato exemption allows potatoes to be grown on the same plot for two consecutive years under certain conditions. This request was submitted by BO Akkerbau and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) agreed.
Potato growers can apply for an exemption from the Dutch General Inspection Service (Nak). The purpose of the request is to expand the possibilities of growing potatoes in the leased plots.
The site is only eligible for exemption if no host plant has been grown for nematodes that cause potato fatigue (am) for eight years. Mostly potatoes. The vast majority of the Netherlands has potato growing regulations that allow potatoes to be grown on the same plot once every three years (1 to 3).
Permanent Rangeland Rules
The fact that this can be waived with an exemption makes it easier for arable farmers to lease land from livestock farmers for two years, according to Bert Waterink of BO Akkerbouw. ‘This is due to the current regulations for permanent pastures. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sites that meet these conditions.’
Wageningen University & Research conducts research on the effect of potatoes on potatoes once every ten years. Waterink says this shows there is no increased risk of unacceptable breeding or the spread of potato fatigue. “In the case of plots with a history of AM, you can choose to grow resistant potato varieties to be on the safe side.”
