Berlin, July 9, 2024 – The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) recently held the inaugural session of its Potato Specialist Training Program in Uelzen from June 25 to 26, 2024. The event attracted 26 participants from various parts of Germany, ranging from apprentices to executives, who were eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in potato cultivation and trade.
In-depth Knowledge and Practical Insights: The Path to Becoming a Potato Specialist
The first day of the training focused on theoretical knowledge, with experts delivering comprehensive lectures on various aspects of potato cultivation. Laura Ritter from DKHV kicked off the seminar with an overview of the origin, morphology, and cultivation of potatoes in Germany. Max Schümann from Solana Group followed with a detailed discussion on the goals and methods of potato breeding, including the techniques of new and maintenance breeding, breeding schemes, and meristem culture for rapid multiplication. Manfred Dressler of res naturae QSV GmbH delved into the morphological development stages of potatoes, the importance of crop rotation, temperature requirements, and quality standards. The day concluded with Nikolaus Schackmann from DLR Eifel addressing potato diseases, pests, and field crop inspections according to the Berlin Agreements (BV).
The second day was dedicated to practical training. Carsten Tschentscher from the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture and Nikolaus Schackmann conducted hands-on sessions in a teaching and demonstration garden, showcasing the differences between healthy and diseased potato plots. Participants gained valuable insights into the symptoms of viral and fungal diseases and the developmental stages of the Colorado potato beetle. This practical approach allowed attendees to systematically understand critical aspects of the potato industry within a short time.
Laura Ritter expressed satisfaction with the seminar’s progression, noting that the practical experiences shared by the speakers enriched the theoretical knowledge with real-world applications and anecdotes. Nikolaus Schackmann appreciated the participants’ enthusiasm and emphasized the importance of sharing his passion and knowledge about potatoes to better prepare them for their future roles in the potato industry. The feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participant Mareike Schwind highlighting the importance of the holistic approach and the uniqueness of the Potato Specialist training in the educational sector.
The second part of the training program will take place on November 11-12, 2024, in Bavaria. Interested parties can find more information about the Potato Specialist program on the DKHV website, and applications for the 2025 session are now open.
About DKHV e.V. The German Potato Trade Association (DKHV) represents the interests of approximately 170 potato trading companies, packers, peeling plants, as well as breeders, producers, and manufacturers of packaging materials and potato technology.
