Experiments on potato varieties

Experiments on over 14 varieties of potatoes have been carried out this year with the aim of guaranteeing their exportation to European

markets in the future, said Agriculture Minister Ninu Zammit.

Potatoes grown as part of this exercise are also being exported as a test to Holland and other European countries.

The minister was speaking at an open day organised by Raymond Abdilla Imports and Exports together with the Dutch co-operative Agrico at a field in Zurrieq where the potatoes are being grown.

Mr Zammit spoke of the government`s commitment, through the work of the Agricultural Export Marketing Board of the Agriculture Department, to boost potato exports.

This year it was possible that 550 tons of potatoes of other varieties, apart from the usual ones, would be exported.

There was also the possibility of exporting around 500 tons of potatoes to other markets outside Holland, Mr Zammit said.