Vegetables, including potato are important crops for food security and nutrition as well as a source of income for a wide range of farmers. In emerging economies with an increasing middle class and a larger role for supermarkets consumption is likely to rise. On the other end of the spectrum vegetables and potatoes can enrich the diets of undernourished people and so contribute to improved food nutrition security. In many countries the horticultural sector is highly fragmented with major attention to the quality of export production of vegetables but little to that of the local market.

The increased production and consumption has potential

Modern production practices, adequate post-harvest management, seed certification, and viable marketing channels supported by adequate policies are the key to a successful vegetable and potato industry. Improving production systems as well as input supply systems, seed quality, and implementing value chain management can double the productivity of the vegetable sector in many countries. This course gives access to the latest insights of world leading Dutch knowledge organisations and private companies that specialise in vegetables and potatoes. The programme covers the complete vegetable and potato chain. Relevant examples from the Dutch greenhouse as well as open field production are demonstrated during the course. Special attention is given to the role of stakeholders in production and marketing systems.

Course objectives

Upon completion you will:

• have broad expertise on vegetable and potato production, including protected and open field production;
• have in-depth knowledge of technical, organisational, institutional and socio-economic aspects of vegetable and potato supply systems;
• know about international standards for good agricultural practices and phytosanitary issues in international trade;
• be familiar with post-harvest management of fresh vegetables and potatoes;
• understand the relevant institutional and policy development international as well as the relevance to your own country;
• understand the role of multi-stakeholder processes in developing vibrant markets.

Target audience

This course is for technical staff, policymakers, scientists and programme or project managers who want to develop the horticultural industry in general and vegetable and (seed) potato in particular. Participants should have at least a BSc and five years experience of working in a related field.

For more information and online registration please visit our website

For more information on MENA or NFP fellowships please see here

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