RE SEARCH Sustainability will soon be better known than DuRPh ‘It is all in the game’, said the well-known Dutch poet Bredero, when things didn’t go as they should. Anton Haverkort (59), a scientist at Plant Research International (PRI) and since recently, Professor of crop and soil sciences at the University of Pretoria (SA), knows a thing or two about that. For example, the agronomists in the world don’t only preach to the converted, but they share their findings openly with each other. The European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), which was founded over fifty years ago, and which Haverkort now co-directs, is a striking example. Moreover, the understanding of scientific matters is subject to change like everything else. The professor now dares say aloud that his latest efforts in the domain of sustainability will soon be more widelyknown that the DuRPh project he is currently leading. And don’t forget the scientist himself, who no longer only focuses on pursuing research, but is also a teacher and a consultant. The EAPC has existed for over fifty years now. What about the collaboration among countries after so many years and what has changed? ‘The EAPC was founded 53 years ago with the aim of promoting the exchange of research results in the domain of potato cultivation, breeding and processing in European countries. The Association publishes the scientific journal Potato Research. Every three years, a major international meeting is held in the country of the person who is currently President. That is Finland now and, in about three years, it will be Belgium’s turn. During the meeting, scientists share their research results, with the aim of deepening their knowledge. Besides the triennial Congress, specialised meetings take place within the various sections, where they very explicitly zoom in on a particular subject. Since the potato acreage still continues to grow worldwide, I would very much like the various research organisations to join forces. I would think that the American and European organisations can be put together easily. They both have the same academic publisher, for example, and I don’t expect any significant thresholds in other areas either. The African, Indian and Chinese organisations can join later as far as I am concerned.’ “You may not be able to see later whether cisgenesis or traditional breeding work has been used.” Where does the EAPC get her financial resources from? ‘In order to collect funds from members and to pay for, among other things, Potato Research, the Financial Foundation [Stichting Geldelijke Belangen] EAPC was established in the Netherlands. Leading potato researchers such as Date van der Zaag and Kees van Loon were pioneers in the early years of this organisation. At this moment DLO researcher Romke Wustman and I are still in charge of this financial club, but not for long. Over time, our foundation will merge into a European body. We have opted for Leuven (BE) for our central office, partly because the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) has its offices there. By collaborating with this club, we are also guaranteeing the continuation of the EAPC as a professional organisation. Belgium also happens to be the first country to provide the President and Jean Pierre Goffart of Carah and CRA-Wallonia will be the first one to be in charge. The German scientific publisher Springer will continue to publish Potato Research.’ Another recent change is your appointment to professor at the University of Pretoria. How have you ended up there? ‘I have been travelling to South Africa since 1993 and I have conducted a range of research projects for the government, Agriculture Councils of the Embassy and the business sector. That’s why I know this country well. Moreover, I have also carried out a comprehensive study into the sustainability of the potato, in the course of which I have compared a variety of farming systems. I have also been Chairman of the standing committees of the Dutch General Inspection Service for 4 Potato World 2011 • number 3 Pagina 3

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