TRADE AND MARKET I NG has been filling the knowledge gap for five years ulum. In this course, the PBSE puts theory and practice together. During this four-day training course, participants are submerged in a broad-based potato programme at the companies of the initiators. On the first day, seed potato company specialists unveil all the ins and outs of breeding, variety choice and logistical matters about the potato trade. Next, the participants are taught the latest developments relating to fertilisation and the role of soil in regard to potato growing. Then the Dutch General Inspection Service for Agricultural Seed and Seed Potatoes (NAK) will explain the inspection system. After professional explanations about disease control and the diagnostic issues that are part of it, the participants are shown the practical aspects of potato mechanisation and storage. The course ends with a management training, after which the course participants can return home inspired by lots of new ideas. Also in-depth networking ‘In addition to the theoretical and practical transfer of knowledge, meeting people who work in the potato sector in other countries is also very important’, Mark Oughtred, Marketing and Variety Introduction Manager for Agrico UK Ltd. tells us. ‘We also had people from Kenya and Iraq on our course. It’s really helpful to talk to people from these countries in an informal way. And after the training, I also keep in touch with a number of my co-participants.’ The young British manager’s reason for participating was to gain a better understanding of the potato chain and how the various links work together. ‘This course will help me positively in my career’, is the marketing manager’s belief. Looking back, Oughtred says that the knowledge gained on optimum potato storage was a real eyeopener for him. ‘Especially instructive was the Dutch knowhow about the air distribution and the amount of air per cubic metre of potato product. Because we also visited a number of storehouses near Emmeloord and could talk to the potato growers themselves, we could link theory to practice straightaway’, was Oughtred’s experience. He also emphasised that being taught by specialists from relevant companies gives immediate access to the latest situation in the area of expertise. Because the language at the course is English, it’s easy for participants to discuss things among themselves and with the instructors. ‘The beauty of the course is the variety of subjects taught and the many companies you get to know. This means that you gain a great deal of experience within a short period of time, which will definitely improve my work in Great Britain’, is Oughtred’s opinion. Future Besides the basic course, the PBSE also offers the possibility to do modules, or to plan a personalised course programme. In the coming five years, the PBSE will further increase the courses available. In September of this year, besides the Englishspeaking course, there will also be a French-speaking course on the programme in order to provide even more of those who are interested in training in Emmeloord. ● Jaap Delleman Being taught by specialists from relevant companies gives immediate access to the latest situation in the area of expertise. Potato World 2016 • number 2 19 Pagina 18
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