AGRICO Research, the breeding and innovation division of seed potato organisation Agrico, has opened a new laboratory which it says will enable it to expand its molecular breeding, DNA marker technology, and quarantine testing capacity.
The expanded R&D capacity will ensure a more robust, reliable pipeline of high-health seed potatoes suited to British soils and regional microclimates entering the UK supply chain and wider global seed potato distribution, the Dutch co-operative has stated.
The opening of the new laboratory in Bant, Netherlands will directly support the British potato industry through its close partnership with Agrico UK, while the €15 million project, which has replaced older, outdated infrastructure, will be central to Agrico Research’s research and breeding programme.
Director of Agrico Research, Peter Oldenkamp, said: “In our new laboratory, we excel in plant breeding using molecular markers, genomic selection, disease testing and in vitro cultures. The modern facilities support researchers in developing knowledge and innovations that contribute to future-proof potato cultivation.”
King of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander, officially opened the facility. During his visit, the King was briefed on the importance of plant breeding for Dutch and international agriculture and horticulture. Following the official opening ceremony, during which the King himself carried out a DNA analysis, he was given a guided tour of the new laboratory. Here, he was introduced to various aspects of the breeding process, including DNA isolation, molecular marker technology and quality testing.
State Secretary Silvio Erkens of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature was also present at the opening.
