Due to their susceptibility to diseases like Phytophthora infestans, which require large amounts of pesticide, the seven major supermarket chains, including market leader Albert Heijn, and eleven of the largest growers in the Netherlands will gradually phase out staples like the Bintje, Frieslander, and Agria.

Instead, 32 new types that can withstand illnesses will be the focus of growers.

“It was high time we took this step. The sector has been working on disease-resistant potato varieties in the last couple of years and that is why we can now switch completely to organically grown potatoes. Consumers can help farmers by opting for these potatoes,” director of the organic farmers association Bionext Michaël Wilde, told the Financieele Dagblad.

Growers still view Phytophthora infestans, or potato blight, as a threat because it is thought to cause between EUR6bn and EUR7bn in damage annually.

Each year, potato plants in the Netherlands valued at around EUR150m are impacted. 2.2m of the 5m kilos of pesticides applied to Dutch vegetables each year go toward protecting potatoes against Phytophthora.

Half of the market’s robust potato types, including Alouette, Carolus, Twinner, and Vitabella, were developed by Agrico, a participant in the deal, Dutch News wrote. Agrico’s potatoes have not one but two genes to ward off disease. The company is now looking at varieties with up to five resistant genes so as not to get caught out by diseases that may crop up in the future.