https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/country/netherland netherland https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/4090/solynta-makes-history-with-first-registered-hybrid-true-potato-seed-variety.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/4090/solynta-makes-history-with-first-registered-hybrid-true-potato-seed-variety.html Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:15:49 +0530 Dutch approval of SOLHY019 marks a breakthrough for hybrid potato breeding, paving the way for more resilient, sustainable and globally scalable potato production Solynta has achieved a landmark milestone in agricultural innovation with the official registration of SOLHY019, the first diploid hybrid potato variety grown from hybrid true potato seed (HTPS) to be listed on the Dutch National Variety Register. The registration, formally approved and published by the Dutch Board of Plant Varieties, represents a significant validation of hybrid potato breeding technology and underscores Solynta’s leadership in developing next-generation potato varieties. The approval marks a pivotal moment not only for the Netherlands’ potato industry but also for the global potato sector, demonstrating that hybrid potato breeding has progressed from a scientific concept to a commercially viable reality. Industry observers view the development as a major step toward modernizing one of the world’s most important food crops through advanced breeding technologies that offer greater efficiency, improved disease resistance, and enhanced supply chain flexibility. “This registration represents a defining moment for Solynta and for the broader potato industry,” said Peter Poortinga, Chief Executive Officer of Solynta. “Hybrid potato breeding has long been viewed as a transformative opportunity for agriculture, and this approval demonstrates that the technology is now ready to deliver commercial value. While we are proud to be the first company to achieve official registration of a diploid hybrid true potato seed variety, we also recognize that this milestone is the result of years of dedicated research and development. It strengthens our commitment to continue delivering improved potato varieties for growers around the world.” The Dutch National Variety Register is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and respected variety registration systems in global agriculture. Inclusion on the register confirms that a variety meets established standards for quality, stability, distinctiveness, and performance. For Solynta, the registration of SOLHY019 provides an important regulatory and commercial foundation for expanding market access and accelerating international adoption of hybrid true potato seed technology. “Official registration is a critical requirement for market access in many regions,” said Ard Rijlaarsdam, Market Access and Regulatory Affairs Lead at Solynta. “Recognition by the Dutch Board of Plant Varieties provides both credibility and a strong regulatory framework for introducing these innovations to growers worldwide. It confirms that our hybrid varieties meet internationally recognized standards and supports future registrations across global markets.” Unlike conventional potato production, which relies on bulky seed tubers, Solynta’s hybrid breeding platform enables potatoes to be grown from true botanical seeds. This approach offers several advantages, including easier transportation and storage, reduced risk of disease transmission, improved uniformity, and faster breeding cycles. The technology also allows breeders to combine desirable traits more efficiently, accelerating the development of varieties tailored to evolving agronomic and market needs. The registration of SOLHY019 is expected to strengthen confidence in hybrid potato breeding as a viable alternative to traditional propagation methods. By enabling seed-based distribution, the technology has the potential to simplify global supply chains while improving access to high-quality planting material, particularly in regions where transporting and storing seed tubers presents logistical challenges. Solynta’s breeding platform is designed to deliver varieties that combine strong agronomic performance with improved disease resistance and production consistency. The company believes hybrid true potato seed technology can play an increasingly important role in addressing challenges facing potato growers, including climate variability, rising input costs, and pressure to reduce crop losses caused by pests and diseases. The approval of SOLHY019 also opens the door for future registrations of potato varieties developed through hybrid breeding. As the company expands its pipeline, Solynta aims to introduce varieties with enhanced resistance to major diseases such as late blight, one of the most economically damaging threats to potato production worldwide. “With this registration, we are not simply introducing a new potato variety,” Poortinga added. “We are establishing a new category of potato breeding that has the potential to transform how potatoes are developed, distributed, and cultivated globally. This is an important step toward a future where growers have access to more resilient, productive, and sustainable varieties that can meet the demands of a changing agricultural landscape.” As global agriculture increasingly seeks solutions that improve productivity while reducing environmental impact, Solynta’s milestone highlights the growing role of advanced breeding technologies in shaping the future of crop production. The successful registration of SOLHY019 positions hybrid true potato seed as a promising new tool for strengthening food security and enhancing the sustainability of one of the world’s most widely consumed staple crops. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3765/rijk-zwaan-updates-spinach-line-for-organic-segment.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3765/rijk-zwaan-updates-spinach-line-for-organic-segment.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:27:20 +0530 Focus on yield stability, resistance, and suitability for different cultivation windows Reinforcing its commitment to innovation in organic agriculture, Rijk Zwaan has unveiled an updated portfolio of spinach varieties tailored for organic growers across Europe. The latest offering combines proven performers with new introductions, each selected for their strong resistance profiles, yield stability, and superior product quality under diverse growing conditions. As demand for reliable organic crops continues to rise, the company’s enhanced range addresses a critical need among growers for varieties that can withstand evolving disease pressures and climatic variability. According to crop coordinators Wim in ’t Groen and Filip Hermans, the focus is on delivering consistent performance across different growing seasons and market requirements. Among the new additions, Galago RZ stands out as a dependable option for organic baby leaf spinach cultivation, particularly suited for winter production in southern Europe and transitional sowing periods in northern regions. Its rapid growth, visually appealing leaf structure, and comprehensive resistance package against downy mildew and emerging fungal threats position it as a robust choice for growers seeking reliability. Reindeer RZ further strengthens the portfolio with its high resistance levels and uniform leaf quality, offering growers enhanced certainty during winter cultivation cycles. Meanwhile, Boomslang RZ delivers versatility across spring and autumn seasons, combining high yields with a broad resistance spectrum—making it well-suited for both open-field and protected cultivation systems. For targeted seasonal applications, Cabezon RZ is recommended for early and late summer production in northern Europe, offering strong disease resistance and attractive leaf characteristics, although alternative varieties may be better suited for peak summer conditions. Beyond fresh market production, Rijk Zwaan has also expanded its focus on spinach varieties for the processing industry, where cultivation dynamics differ significantly. With production concentrated in regions such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and France—particularly in the fertile soils of Flevoland—summer cultivation plays a pivotal role. In this segment, Silverwhale RZ emerges as a fast-establishing variety, enabling effective weed management and ensuring reliable harvests. Its strong resistance profile and consistent leaf quality have made it a preferred choice among organic growers. Complementing this is Boa RZ, a vigorous and well-established variety known for its adaptability to heavy soils, rapid germination, and suitability for early mechanical weed control—factors that contribute to higher productivity and crop success. With this expanded portfolio, Rijk Zwaan continues to support organic growers with solutions that balance agronomic resilience, market demands, and sustainability—strengthening its position at the forefront of innovation in vegetable breeding. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3509/from-additives-to-spices-cac48-redraws-rules-of-global-food-trade.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:50:16 +0530 Codex and FAO officials detail how updated standards aim to protect consumers without triggering disproportionate trade disruption for export-dependent economies In an exclusive Agrospectrum and NUFFOODS Spectrum interview with global food-standards leaders — Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary; Lingping Zhang, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Gracia Brisco, Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat; and Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer, Codex Secretariat — CAC48 emerges as a decisive moment for Codex amid rising geopolitical fragmentation. The experts reaffirm Codex’s science-based, consensus-driven mandate, which shaped major reforms including additive reviews, aflatoxin updates, pesticide-residue reference guidelines and new maximum lead levels for spices. They underline how improved Codes of Practice, surveillance support and harmonised quality parameters enable consumer protection while minimising trade disruption for export-reliant economies. Looking ahead, they highlight the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which places digital traceability, climate-risk foresight, and advanced analytical technologies at the core of modernising global food safety governance. Edited excerpts; Codex at a Geopolitical Crossroads The 48th Session saw critical standards adopted across additives, contaminants, and fresh-produce quality. At a time when food systems face geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain shocks, and rising protectionism, how does Codex ensure these standards remain science-led, globally harmonized, and insulated from political pressure? The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a Member-driven body with its commitment to a science-based approach to standard setting enshrined in its procedures. Its work is guided by its strategic goals, and its core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Codex texts are the benchmark for food safety under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and are relevant to the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) where WTO members refer to harmonization with international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius for food-related issues such as labelling. Codex standards play an important role in addressing specific trade concerns or for dispute settlement cases. Wherever you are, whatever you do, safe food is an everyday need. And it is a global commodity. These aspects are integral to every discussion in the Codex Alimentarius Commission. “Together” was also the theme of CAC48, which served to highlight that when it comes to food safety and quality it is only by working together that we can effectively and efficiently ensure food is safe and of good quality.  The GSFA Overhaul: Science, Safety, and Consumer Trust More than 500 food additive provisions were reviewed, leading to revocations and new inclusions. What principles guided the reassessment—particularly for colourants like annatto extracts—and how does FAO ensure regulators and industry transition smoothly to these updated provisions without disrupting product availability or trade flows? All Codex work is conducted following approval by CAC. Thus, the decision for reassessment was taken by Members. In the case of annatto extracts, this decision was based on: The need to align the General standard for food additives with relevant sections of commodity standards. In this case, for example, there was a need to align with the Standard for fermented milks, which does not provide for the addition of annatto extracts in plain milk. Codex texts are developed through consensus by all its Members in a deliberate manner that often spans a timeframe of several years. The national Codex contact points serve as a primary node to disseminate all applicable information to national stakeholders. In addition, FAO provides support when requested by Member Countries to strengthen national Codex structures, thereby enhancing national capabilities in disseminating all relevant Codex texts to national stakeholders. Aflatoxins in Peanuts: New Science, New Responsibilities The revised Code of Practice on aflatoxins integrates updated agronomic science, maturity-stage tables, and roasting effects. How will FAO help producing countries—especially smallholder-dependent economies—translate these best practices into field-level change? Are new surveillance, extension, or capacity-building mechanisms planned? FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly. FAO and Codex furthermore have published numerous guidance documents, codes of practice and related texts that is publicly available, ready to be used by any other organization that would like to use this information in order to support producers of peanuts. Lead Limits in Spices: Balancing Public Health and Trade facilitation With new maximum levels now set for dried bark (cinnamon) and culinary herbs, exporting nations such as —India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia—face compliance pressure. How does Codex balance the dual mandate of protecting consumers health while ensuring fair practices in trade, in this case, preventing trade disruptions for economies reliant on spice exports? The mandate to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade is the statutory purpose of CAC. This means that, when it comes to food safety standards such as maximum levels for contaminants in foods, CAC will not establish more stringent measures than necessary to protect consumers health so that the measures themselves do not become a technical barrier to trade which may then translate in trade disruption that may impact economic growth and ultimately food security.   Although spices and culinary herbs are consumed in small amounts, as opposed to other foods, it remains important to assess the safety of lead levels in these foods due to the impact of lead toxicity on human health that may include neurodevelopmental effects such as decreases in Intelligence Quota (IQ) and attention span in children, impaired renal function, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, impaired fertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore the ALARA continued to apply when CCCF discusses risk management considerations related to health and trade so that while ensuring the safety of the food, this does not imply high rejections rate of lot consignments, at import control point. CCCF does provide support to Codex Members to enable them to comply with MLs, by developing codes of practice, a compendium of risk management measures and practices to assist in reducing food contamination, in this case CAC40 adopted in 2017 the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxins in spices (CXC 78-2017). FAO does have a role to play in assisting countries with the implementation of the CoP, helping them to identify specific risk management measures that may not be included in the CoP, as they are usually overarching texts, that can complement the measures applicable worldwide that are described in these CoPs. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted MLs for lead in spices and culinary herbs, specifically, dried bark (cinnamon) and dried culinary herbs. The MLs are 2.5 mg/kg for lead in spices, dried bark and 2.0 mg/kg for lead in culinary herbs, dried and will now be added to the General Standard for contaminants and toxins in food and feed (CXS 193-1995).  Pesticide Reference Materials: A Quiet but Critical Reform The guidelines allowing extended use of pesticide reference materials beyond labelled expiry dates could significantly reduce laboratory costs and waste. What drove this reform? And how does FAO envision it strengthening residue monitoring systems in low- and middle-income countries where testing infrastructure remains limited? Pesticide residues in food are a subject of particular concern for consumers and in the food trade. To ensure the safety of food, the regulation of pesticide use, and relevant residues, must be enforced and guaranteed. Part of the process of testing for pesticide residues relies on laboratories being able to access what are known as reference materials, or RMs. But these are costly and sold with 2-to-5-year short-term expiry dates, though there is no requirement to find maximum shelf life. This can force laboratories to buy new RMs more frequently than potentially necessary. This leads to additional work and additional costs, and that can hinder how much testing can be done.  The Codex Alimentarius Commission has now adopted guidelines that provide a scientifically sound framework to monitor the purity and stability of reference materials under defined conditions, which, if implemented correctly, may allow continued use of RMs beyond their expiry date - where purity remains within acceptable limits. This reduces recurring costs, minimizes waste, and ensures confidence in the reliability of pesticide residue analysis.  The work on the development of guidelines for monitoring the purity and stability of reference materials of pesticides during prolonged storage commenced at CCPR51 in 2019, when some delegations expressed concerns regarding the limitation of the use of reference materials beyond the expiry date, leading to significant recurring costs for laboratories. As chair of the electronic working group (EWG), India led the work to develop these guidelines. FAO stays ready to support its members needs and will respond to requests by its members for additional capacity building measures correspondingly.  Read more about this work in the 2025 edition of the CODEX magazine   Standard for Fresh Dates: Trade Enablement for Climate-Stressed Regions The new standard comes after a decade of negotiations and is deeply important for date-producing regions across the Middle East and North Africa. How will harmonized quality parameters—size, colour, uniformity, defects—reshape global trade? Can such standards help climate-stressed producers secure better prices in high-value retail markets ? By adopting the new Standard for fresh dates, Codex Members now have an international reference that provides the baseline for international trade of this commodity upon which trading partners can agree on additional quality provisions based on their consumers’ preferences. For producing countries, this opens up trade possibilities across the globe, which, in many cases, will support the livelihoods of small producers, bolster economies and provide a safe, good quality product for consumers worldwide. Castilla Lulo (Naranjilla): Regional Standards as a Strategic Tool This new regional standard reflects the fruit’s cultural importance and emerging trade value in Latin America. What criteria does Codex use to decide when a product merits a regional rather than global standard? And do regional standards serve as testbeds for potential future global adoption? When considering new work proposed by FAO/WHO regional coordinating committees, CAC considers, amongst other things, whether the new work is justified on the grounds that the product in question is significantly traded intraregionally and that there is no significant trade between or within other regions When a commodity for which there is a regional standard, sees increased trade at a global level, the coordinating committee concerned, or a Member, can propose extension of the territorial application of the standard. This involves new work, which has to be approved by CAC. CAC48 approved, for example, new work on converting the Regional standard for laver products (Asia) to a worldwide standard, work that will be carried out by the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP). The Next Frontier: Modernizing Codex for a New Era of Food Risks From AI-driven food systems to precision fermentation, novel ingredients, and climate-linked contaminants, food safety risks are evolving faster than many national regulatory systems. What are FAO’s top priorities for modernizing Codex over the next decade? How will future standards incorporate digital traceability, climate risk modelling, and new analytical technologies? FAO is a parent organization of Codex, together with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, work prioritization in Codex is the remit of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. CAC47 adopted the Codex strategic plan 2026–2031 and CAC48 its monitoring framework. The purpose of the Codex strategic plan and its renewal and renegotiation every five years is to ensure that Codex work is aimed at achieving the most appropriate objectives. FAO has a very long-standing tradition to inform the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its subsidiary bodies with all relevant information to facilitate forward looking workplanning. FAO continues to offer its support to all its members and the members of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to assist in national capacity building activities to strengthen food control systems, food safety governance and all related aspects. The new strategic plan has as its first Strategic Goal to: Respond to Members’ needs for protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade in an evolving global landscape, by developing science-based standards and related texts 1.1 Foresight and horizon-scanning activities are used to support the identification of issues likely to impact food safety, quality and trade. 1.2 Scientific advice that addresses the needs identified by CAC and its subsidiary bodies is primarily provided by FAO and WHO and their joint scientific advisory bodies, informed by globally representative data and appropriate international expertise and methodology. 1.3 Scientific advice is used by CAC and subsidiary bodies in line with Codex risk analysis principles. 1.4 Codex standards and related texts are developed, reviewed and adopted in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner. Thus, with reference to FAO’s foresight programme ( https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/foresight/en/ ), Codex will aim to keep ahead of emerging trends Codex work is already addressing some of the key emerging issues and adapting based on Members’ priorities: Digital traceability is already a key topic of discussion in the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), and work is ongoing to develop texts for the digitalization of national food control systems. CAC47 adopted the Codex Committee on Food Labelling’s (CCFL’s) Guidelines on the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods to be offered via e-commerce New food sources and production systems have been discussed extensively in Codex in recent years. In this context several areas of new work are under discussion which will help define how codex addresses this emerging area moving forward. Changing climate is also impacting food safety and this is also impacting the standard setting work of Codex. For example, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF) elaborated and CAC47 adopted the Code of practice for the prevention or reduction of ciguatera poisoning, in response to the evolving nature of this issue, which is related to climate factors. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene developed and CAC46 adopted Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing in response to Members concerns about the need to ensure that in the context of water resource challenges, the safety of food was not negatively impacted. There is a continued emphasis, particularly within CCCF, on the issue of mycotoxins, the threat of which is evolving and possibly expanding as climate factors change. —---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3174/indonesia-netherlands-strengthen-partnership-in-greenhouse-based-horticulture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3174/indonesia-netherlands-strengthen-partnership-in-greenhouse-based-horticulture.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:06:24 +0530 Strengthen agricultural ties to boost food security and sustainability Indonesia and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at advancing greenhouse-based horticulture to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The collaboration was formalized during a meeting between Indonesian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono and Dutch Deputy Director-General for Agro Guido Landheer in Jakarta. The partnership builds on Indonesia’s goal to accelerate horticultural productivity and food self-sufficiency by leveraging Dutch expertise in agriculture. Sudaryono highlighted the Netherlands’ success in becoming the second-largest agricultural exporter globally, despite having only four million hectares of land, through innovation, technology, and efficiency. “We need to learn a lot from the Dutch, who have centuries of experience in developing agriculture, especially in horticulture, greenhouses, seeds, and irrigation,” Sudaryono stated during a press conference. The two nations agreed to cooperate through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by their respective agriculture ministers. The MoU focuses on promoting modern and sustainable horticultural production through technology application and knowledge sharing. Sudaryono emphasized the importance of involving younger generations in modern farming practices, particularly greenhouse technology, to ensure the regeneration of Indonesia’s farming community. While acknowledging the higher upfront investment required for greenhouse farming compared to traditional methods, he noted its long-term benefits, including increased productivity and cost efficiency. “We need more young Indonesians to get involved in horticulture using greenhouse technology,” he said, calling for innovation-driven youth participation. The Dutch delegation, which included representatives from greenhouse companies, seed suppliers, and technical providers, expressed their support for Indonesia’s agricultural development. Landheer clarified that the collaboration is not intended to increase Dutch exports to Indonesia but to strengthen Indonesia’s domestic production capacity through shared knowledge and experience. Recently, Dutch companies had shown interest in contributing to Indonesia’s agriculture sector but faced challenges that are now being addressed to support investment and benefit local farmers. Sudaryono assured full support for initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the people, the country, and farmers through efficient and collaborative efforts. This partnership reflects Indonesia’s commitment to adopting innovative agricultural practices to bolster food security and sustainability. By working closely with the Netherlands, Indonesia aims to modernize its horticultural sector, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and businesses in both nations. The collaboration underscores the shared vision of both countries to address global food security challenges through cooperation, innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3059/nouryon-commissions-onsite-solar-projects-at-singapore-sites.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/125/3059/nouryon-commissions-onsite-solar-projects-at-singapore-sites.html Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:55:49 +0530 The renewable energy project in Singapore supports Nouryon’s broader climate goals to reduce its absolute Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019. Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, announced a long-term agreement and the successful commissioning of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at its two production facilities on Jurong Island, in Singapore. Developed and installed by EDP Renewables APAC (EDP), this project marks the completion of Nouryon’s first power purchase agreement and onsite solar project in Singapore, representing a milestone in the Company’s global sustainability journey. The new solar PV systems have a capacity of 250 kWp and will power Nouryon’s quaternary ammonium compound and alkoxylation production units, reducing the Company’s Scope 2 emissions. The installation follows the signing of a 14-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with EDP in July 2024, underscoring Nouryon’s long-term commitment to renewable energy and industrial decarbonization. “At Nouryon, we are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions throughout our value chain as a pillar of our Carbon Business Strategy,” said Eduardo Nardinelli, Senior Vice President, South America & Global Carbon Business Strategy at Nouryon. “Today’s announcement highlights another milestone in our global effort to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to enhance our customers’ ability to achieve their sustainability goals by delivering products with a lower carbon footprint.” Nouryon’s Carbon Business Strategy is designed with a long-term horizon, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while fostering company growth. The strategy is guided by carbon operational excellence in company operations, transitioning sites to renewable energy, fostering innovation, and collaborating across the value chain with a focus on reducing indirect GHG emissions. “This commissioning marks a milestone for our team in Singapore and the broader region,” said Sobers Sethi, Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “By harnessing renewable energy, we continue to strengthen our regional presence and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to providing sustainable solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment.” The renewable energy project in Singapore supports Nouryon’s broader climate goals to reduce its absolute Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019. Nouryon aspires to be a net-zero organization by 2050. More information on Nouryon’s sustainability progress can be found in the Company’s 2024 Sustainability Report, Sustainability Fact Sheet, and the dedicated Sustainability section of the Nouryon website. ]]>