Europatat's Seed Potato Commission (SPC) has used its first official meeting since the adoption of a new structure to elect Jan van Hoogen, of Dutch seed potato company Agrico, as chairman of the Commission for a two-year term.
'I am honoured to take the lead of the Seed Potato Commission, a commission which represents an important segment of the potato trade,' said Mr van Hoogen. 'In light of key changes to the EU regulatory environment governing the seed potato sector, it is important that we join forces to provide in the years to come a positive environment for the companies operating in our sector.'
The meeting saw members of the European Potato Trade Association discuss key regulatory matters which are set to impact on the seed potato sector over the coming years, and review the export season to third countries, particularly regarding market access issues.
During the opening of the meeting, which took place in Brussels on 27 January, Europatat president Kees van Arendonk recalled the importance of the commissions to the group.
'The commissions enable the association to be continuously updated on trade issues and to respond to all regulatory issues on an EU level in a quick and efficient way,' he told members. 'This is also the main reason why Europatat is now open to direct membership and I'm glad to see that many companies active in Europe in the seed or consumption potato trade have decided to join Europatat and strengthen the potato trade.'
EU Commission officials used the event to introduce options for he revision of legislation on plant reproductive material as well as on plant health, while members also reviewed the export season to third-world countries.
