Precision farming theme for PotatoEurope 2017

Following events in France, Germany and Belgium, this year’s edition of PotatoEurope returns to the Netherlands, and land near the town of Emmeloord that was once 6m below sea level! The variety, Innovator, has just been planted, and the theme for this year’s event is ‘Potatoes Feed/Meet the world’. Organised by DLG Benelux, the aim is to provide visitors with an insight into the practical application of precision farming techniques. Divided into three parts, the first section of the 30ha site was cultivated conventionally, the second using the latest precision farming techniques, and the third with controlled traffic farming principles on a track width of 3.15m. The potatoes on the second plot will be tracked by a drone. Fitted with cameras, plant height and number, chlorophyll index, and many other parameters will be documented. The data will be processed and mapped, and used as the basis for variable rate fertiliser application. The results will be available for visitors to see at the event. This is the 10th time PotatoEurope will be staged in the Netherlands. The dates to remember are 13 and 14 September 2017, and 250 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors are expected.