Registration is now open for the established “Potato Specialist” training programme organised by the Deutscher Kartoffelhandelsverband e.V. (DKHV). The course, aimed at professionals working in the potato sector as well as newcomers and career changers, provides practical knowledge covering the entire potato value chain.

Designed as a two-part programme running in spring and autumn 2026, the course follows the full development cycle of the potato crop—from cultivation and breeding through to harvest and post-harvest management. Experienced instructors and potato industry experts will deliver practical training intended to strengthen participants’ qualifications and support the competitiveness of their companies.

For the first time, the spring session will include two separate course groups with different formats tailored to participants’ levels of experience.

Both spring courses will take place over two intensive seminar days and will cover key technical aspects of potato production, including cultivation, breeding, pests and diseases, and production systems. A strong practical component is included through field visits, either to production fields or to a teaching and demonstration garden, allowing participants to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world observations.

The autumn module focuses on topics such as harvesting and storage, quality management, sustainability requirements, trading conditions, and the preparation of quality assessments. These subjects will be addressed both in classroom sessions and through practical exercises. The programme also includes a visit to a large packing facility, providing participants with insight into operational processes in the packing sector.

The training concludes with an examination. Both courses must be booked in full and lead to the same qualification. Participants receive comprehensive training materials and have the opportunity to obtain a certificate.

Course Details And Dates

Course 1: Potato Specialist – Basic
This course is intended for newcomers, career changers, and participants with initial knowledge of the potato sector.

• Spring: 1–2 June 2026 in Hermannsburg (including a field excursion with a focus on potato cultivation and breeding)

• Autumn: 10–11 November 2026 in Mönchengladbach (including a visit to a packing facility)

Registration: https://fachkraft-basis.dkhv.org/

Course 2: Potato Specialist – Basic Plus
This course is designed for participants with several years of industry experience and solid technical knowledge who wish to deepen their expertise.

• Spring: 2–3 June 2026 in Hermannsburg (including an excursion to a teaching and demonstration garden, focusing on identifying defects in the field)

• Autumn: 1–2 December 2026 in Neuburg an der Donau (including a visit to a packing facility)

Registration: https://fachkraft-basis-plus.dkhv.org/

Course Fees And Additional Information

Course fees are €1,600 plus VAT for DKHV members and €2,200 plus VAT for non-members. Additional costs apply for hotel accommodation.

After registration, participants will receive further information regarding hotel bookings and the detailed schedule for the programme.

For further enquiries, DKHV can be contacted at info@dkhv.org.

The association encourages interested professionals to secure a place early and welcomes the next generation of qualified specialists in the potato sector.