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Preparations for PotatoEurope 2025 are off to a promising start as the demonstration fields were successfully planted under near-ideal conditions at the beginning of April. Located at the Open Crops site of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in Lelystad, the 25-hectare demonstration area is already shaping up to be a showcase of innovation, expertise, and high-performance potato cultivation.
Jacob de Jong, farm manager at WUR’s Lelystad location, leads the field operations and is enthusiastic about the smooth and timely planting process. “We’ve had a relatively dry winter and a dry spring, with frost still occurring in February,” De Jong noted. “As a result, the soil now crumbles nicely, which provides a great start for the PotatoEurope fields this growing season. It’s great that we can start early.” This timely start is expected to allow for early desiccation in August and optimal harvesting conditions in time for the live demonstrations in September.
The variety planted is Alegria, a mid-early potato known for its good yield potential, drought tolerance, and processing flexibility. With its light yellow flesh and oval tuber shape, Alegria is well-suited for both fresh consumption and French fry production. This makes it an ideal variety for showcasing at a large-scale, international event like PotatoEurope. Equally important is its agronomic profile: Alegria exhibits moderate to low susceptibility to common potato diseases, making it a practical and attractive choice for growers across Europe. Following the demonstrations, the harvested crop will be marketed via Schaap Holland in Biddinghuizen.
Attention to detail and adherence to best agronomic practices are evident in the establishment of the fields. The seed potatoes were treated with Maxim for protection against seed-borne diseases, while Amistar and liquid phosphate fertilizer were applied in-row to support early development and plant health. The soil, marine clay with around 30% silt, was well-prepared thanks to a strong crop rotation. The preceding winter wheat crop was followed by a green manure crop of yellow mustard, incorporated into the soil in December. A recommended base fertilization was applied, and no animal manure was used. Planting distances were carefully managed, with 26 cm spacing within the rows.
PotatoEurope 2025, taking place on September 3 and 4, will offer live harvesting demonstrations by leading machinery manufacturers such as AVR, Dewulf, Grimme, and Ropa. These demonstrations provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies in potato harvesting, reinforcing the event’s status as a key destination for mechanization insights.
“The demonstration fields are an integral part of the PotatoEurope experience. Visitors will get a broad and complete view of the latest mechanization techniques in potato cultivation. In addition to the harvesting demonstrations, PotatoEurope 2025 offers a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in potato cultivation, processing, and sales. This makes the event an essential platform for professionals in the sector to share knowledge and strengthen their networks,” says event organizer Kuno Jacobs from the freshly planted field.
PotatoEurope is a rotating annual event held across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France, dedicated to showcasing advancements across the entire potato value chain from cultivation to processing and marketing. The 2025 edition in Lelystad is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors from across the globe, all eager to witness cutting-edge developments and gain fresh insights into one of Europe’s most important crops. For growers, researchers, machinery specialists, and traders alike, PotatoEurope 2025 is shaping up to be the must-attend event, one rooted in innovation and collaboration, and now, thanks to an excellent planting season, already off to a strong start.
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