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SPUDSMART.COM INTERNATIONAL EDITION 20158 germplasm says VanderZaag. Thats because potato germplasm in China back then was problematic. One variety we developed there was called Co-operation 88 C88. Thats an example of a variety brought in thats now one of the largest- producing varieties in the world VanderZaag says. C88 is a high-yielding potato cultivar with good resistance to late blight. Its also used by the potato chip industry. Up until 1985 China was basically working with Eastern European potato varieties that were ill-adapted and not very good eating quality. When CIP introduced new germplasm that helped give the potato a new lease on life notes VanderZaag. C88 was successful not just because it has virus resistance and good eating quality but because the Chinese developed a seed program that got a lot of healthy seed out quickly. GOING FORWARD CIPs efforts to help mentor a new generation of potato growers and scientists has ensured that the industry keeps coming up with innovative ways to increase potato production in China. Many of todays industry leaders in China we helped train back in the 80s when they were young. Theyve become very influential in the Chinese potato industry VanderZaag says. There are challenges ahead though. One major hurdle the industry is working at clearing is finding more processing opportunities for potatoes. Feng notes that only around 10 per cent of the potatoes grown in China are processed primarily for starch. The majority of the current varieties found in China are mainly for fresh consumption she says. The varieties for different processing needs are in high demand. One of the biggest constraints right now for the potato industry in China VanderZaag notes is developing appropriate varieties for french fries. The varieties brought in from North America generally dont do well in China he says. Russet In a remote Muslim settlement of Yunnan China village women prepare potatoes for shipping to large city markets. PHOTO PETER VANDERZAAG.