Dr Veerman was welcomed by Jan van den Heuvel of Hagè International who told him he was actually playing a home match, because it was he who had taken the initiative to form the biggest farmers cooperative in Holland “the Greenery” and he could now witness that this well-run organisation has found its place in the sales of fruits and vegetables.

Peter Blankendaal of Daalimpex described developments in the growth and sale of Maltese potatoes. In the present organisation, approximately 90 per cent of farmers who grow for export, have chosen to grow their potatoes on the famous red soil and market their product through the newly formed Potato Export Alliance (Malta) Ltd.

The total crop is now estimated at 6,000 tons, which is more or less the quantity that can be placed on the Dutch market, and is also influenced by the changing of the traditional Dutch table and the fact that every year sees the earlier arrival of new potatoes from other countries around the Mediterranean at a much lower price.

Maltese farmers who are close to EurepGap certification realise how important the Dutch market is for them and they want to retain it. They therefore accept the strict controls in the recently modernised grading stations of Raymond Abdilla and Manuel Bezzina, where Dutch inspectors give the final approval.

Mr Blankendaal invited the minister to come to Tuitjenhorn to collect the first bag there and then, and learn about the problems in that part of Holland where, despite hot summers, produce such as white cabbage, carrots, chicory and also lily bulbs are sold far below cost price.

The minister promised to do so and also to visit Malta before too long to learn more about the island.

In a long speech, minister Veerman said it was also necessary to understand the importance of a good income for Maltese farmers. He pointed out the interest of the Dutch seed potato market and the fact that Malta has always been a trendsetter, not only in the development of new varieties, but also for the traditionally well-known Alpha variety, which comes to Malta exclusively from the grower of the Alpha basic seed van Dam from Wieringerwerf, Holland, and Agrico.

In the meantime, the first Maltese potatoes have arrived in Holland and have been judged to be of excellent quality.