The annual Potato Specialist training programme organised by the German Potato Trade Association (Deutscher Kartoffelhandelsverband e.V., DKHV) has officially begun. Held in Hermannsburg, in the Lüneburg Heath region of Lower Saxony, the first module brought together 46 participants from across Germany, ranging from industry newcomers to seasoned professionals, all aiming to deepen their expertise in potato production and trade.

Over three days, attendees were divided into two smaller groups to allow for more targeted instruction and interactive, hands-on learning.

The first day focused on theoretical foundations. Jutta Becker-Ritterspach, DKHV’s in-house advisor, opened the programme with a detailed introduction to the origin, botany and cultivation conditions of potatoes in Germany. Her presentation was followed by a series of in-depth lectures delivered by expert agronomic trainers. Topics included modern breeding techniques, crop growth requirements, quality standards and crop rotation. Plant protection was another key area, with an emphasis on pest management, disease control and proper crop assessment, in line with the ‘Berlin Agreements’ – the DKHV’s guidelines for evaluating field conditions.

An informal networking evening created space for participants to exchange perspectives on market developments and industry challenges. Many attendees described this social element as a valuable complement to the technical content of the programme.

On the second day, the focus shifted to practical application. At the demonstration and teaching garden operated by the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture in Bad Fallingbostel, participants could observe the difference between healthy and infested crops, learn to identify common symptoms of plant stress, and gain insight into biological development stages such as that of the Colorado potato beetle. The practical nature of the training was widely praised and considered a highlight of the module.

“The enthusiasm of the group was impressive,” said training expert Nikolaus Schackmann. “It’s important to me to pass on a passion for potatoes – and we succeeded in doing just that.” One participant summed up the experience by saying: “The holistic approach makes this training programme unique in the industry.”

The second module will take place this autumn in southern Germany. Details on the qualification and registration for the next intake are available on the DKHV website: www.dkhv.org.