AFBI potato breeding research visited by leading Gran Canaria producer

Sr. Rafael Hernández, Regional President of the Coordination of Gran Canaria Farmers and Ranchers (COAG) recently visited the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Loughgall to see the potato breeding programme in action.

 Sr. Hernández is evaluating AFBI potato varieties in Gran Canaria for supply to the local Spar supermarket chain which has over 250 branches on the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands are an important market for Northern Ireland seed potatoes as Northern Ireland is  one of only three countries able to comply with the islands’ rigorous phytosanitary regulations. The islands are free from several important pests and diseases which are endemic on the European mainland. The islands continue to prefer good eating quality varieties with high dry matter content and old established varieties such as King Edward and Kerr’s Pink still constitute the majority of the seed exports from Northern Ireland.

The AFBI varieties Richhill and Sunset have established markets in Gran Canaria and exports are increasing as seed becomes available. Of the newer AFBI varieties that Sr. Hernández has evaluated, Rosegarden has shown promise for the local ware trade. Rosegarden is a good eating quality variety similar to Kerr’s Pink and suits local tastes.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high-quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies 

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland …  serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office 

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