Potato is a crop with great economic potential. In addition to its short crop cycle and low maintenance requirements, it is a staple carbohydrate in many parts of the world. From the period of 1995-1999, FAO reported an increase in ware potato imports into both Europe and North America.

Farmers in North Africa and the Middle East import potato seeds from Europe. The primary varieties in production in Morocco are Nicola, Spunta, Mondial, Lysetta, Gandor and Desiree. Nicola production is almost exclusively for the export market, while Desiree and Spunta are the leading varieties on the local market. Spunta, Nicola and Desiree are no longer patent-encumbered.

The use of European seed presents several disadavantages to farmers in other regions:

• The seed is expensive, often accounting for as much as 30% of the production budget.
• In addition, European seed is not always available during the optimal planting season. In Morocco, for example, potato seed is only available from Europe between November and January, while the optimal planting time for many farmers is between August and September.
• Finally, the available varieties are adapted to Northern European climates and culturing conditions. As a result, yields in North Africa and the Middle East are poor in comparison with those of Northern Europe; growers in Northern Europe realise yields of 60 tonnes/hectare, while their counterparts in the North Africa and the Middle East average 20-25 tonnes/hectare.

At The Farm, it is our goal to improve the yeild per hectare of the farmer by providing high-quality, certified seed when it is unavailable from Europe. For more information, please contact us.