b"Future Proof Potato VarietiesHZPC showcased potato varieties that are resilient for the changing climate of the future.BY: ASHLEY ROBINSONPOTATO FOLKS FROM around the globe gathered togetherWith climate change for a hybrid version of Dutch potato breeder HZPCs Potato Daysfacing us, and water Live on Nov. 3, 2021. The live broadcast from HZPCs greenhouseshortages that we have, in Metslawier, Netherlands included an in-house audienceit's important to have with others joining virtually from around the world. Climatevarieties in our portfolio change and how potato breeders are working to address futurewho can cope with these challenges were the main topics of discussion.kinds of challenges, ten We need to make it step-by-step, and we have some varietiesDuis explains. PHOTO: HZPCthat will bring us closer to the end goal of having an evenIts tubers are medium greener and more sustainable tomorrow, says Michiel ten Duis,to large sized with an oval shape and firm texture. Customer senior head of marketing at HZPC, during the event. response to it has been good with Camelia being used in ten Duis took a closer look at HZPCs top varieties and howmany dishes due to its versatility as boiled, baked and mashed theyre addressing issues around the globe for potato growers. potatoes. The target for the variety is grown at a global scale. So, we can Camelia we feel that we can position basically anywhere and on top of Camelia is one of the most robust varieties HZPC has, ten Duisthat the target users in the traditional and retail chains, he says.says. It makes efficient use of nutrients available.CardymaCardyma is a very big tuber with a round, oval shape which can be grown under harsh circumstances. ten Duis says it has amazing home fry qualities.PHOTO: HZPCWe all like a home prepared home fry plate of fries. So, there's a variety that could play a good role, he adds.The target area for Cardyma is Europe, Africa, and Asia in the fresh potato market. It can also be produced as an organic potato.EmanuelleEmanuelle makes efficient use of fertilizer and is versatile in its storability. It can easily be stored over long period without use of CIPC or anti-sprout applications in the fields, ten Duis explains. It fits perfectly in a trend that you see, for example, in the European Union of having zero residue where products available to our consumers, he says.Its a deep yellow colour, has a creamy taste and is firm in texture. ten Duis says this makes it a favourable variety amongst customers. Emanuelles tubers are medium to large and long, oval in shape, with a broad, smooth skin. Currently Emanuelle is focused on the European market, but ten Duis says theres export potential outside of European markets. The main focus for it currently is on the retail segment. 46SPUDSMART.COM Winter 2022"