Germany: Severe crisis in the sector due to record potato surplus
This year, 18,800 more hectares were planted than the previous year, reaching the largest area dedicated to potato cultivation in 25 years.
This year, 18,800 more hectares were planted than the previous year, reaching the largest area dedicated to potato cultivation in 25 years.
Most of the supply comes from southern Minas Gerais and southwestern São Paulo.
The Oppotunity consortium successfully completed the first field trials with genetically edited potatoes, designed to resist late blight, one of the most devastating diseases of the crop.
It requires less fungicide application, cooks 25% faster than other varieties, and is considered to have "great potential" for direct sale in markets.
From Quilcas, in Huancayo, potato guardians distributed eight tons of native seeds to five regions to preserve biodiversity and strengthen food security.
Prices were relatively lower last year, but peaked in 2023; however, they are now considerably lower.
Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Switzerland have become involved in an ambitious project to develop natural substances to replace chemicals.
In the country there are only 15 crops with certified seeds and more than 1,000 species classified as selected seeds, including vegetables, flowers, aromatic plants, forestry, among other crops.