19-03-2026 In conversation with Jan Pieter Rijpma

Within the seed potato chain, quality, planning, availability and logistics come together on a daily basis. Since last summer, Jan Pieter Rijpma has been responsible for this link at Aviko as Manager Seed Potatoes, coordinating the seed potato supply in Northwest Europe.

We spoke with him about his first period in the role, developments in the market, and his vision for the future of the chain.

From Area Manager to Manager Seed Potatoes

Although Jan Pieter officially joined Aviko only three years ago, his connection with the organization goes back much further. “In fact, my career here really started 21 years ago, during my internship at trading company Korteweg BV, the predecessor of Aviko Agro,” he explains. After several years as Area Manager for France and Belgium, he moved into his current position.

The transition went smoothly. “It helps that I already got to know the organization well as an Area Manager. The content of my role has changed, but I still work with many of the same colleagues within an existing structure. You could genuinely describe it as a soft landing.”

However, he does observe a change in sentiment within the sector. “The relatively good years we experienced in arable farming have, in a short time, shifted towards a more cautious mood.”

Balancing supply and demand

The core of his role lies in optimally aligning supply and demand. “In short, my role is about matching supply and demand: from relationship management and purchasing from seed potato trading companies to ensuring that our seed potato requirements align with consumption demand, and that the right seed potatoes arrive at the right place at the right time.”

Logistics is a daily puzzle in this respect. “One of the biggest challenges is the combination of logistical complexity and good information provision. We want to inform everyone — from field staff to growers — as fully and accurately as possible.”

In addition to the operational work, Jan Pieter is also focused on the future. “There is certainly a challenge in safeguarding the long-term availability of the varieties Aviko needs, as well as contributing to variety development and knowledge exchange.”

A practical and engaged approach

In his role, Jan Pieter forms an important link between seed potato trading companies, buyers and growers. His approach? “That’s probably better answered by my colleagues, but I aim to work in a practical, forward-looking and service-oriented way.”

Seed potato availability in 2026

With the exception of a few varieties, seed potatoes are generally well available this year. Jan Pieter expects — and hopes — that the number of conversions between varieties and size grades can be kept to a minimum. “We are, of course, dealing with a natural product and a dynamic market, so changes will always occur.”

Opportunities within the chain

According to Jan Pieter, there is still plenty of room for improvement throughout the entire seed potato chain. “Especially in the area of planning, there is still a lot to be gained.”

He also expects digitalisation to become increasingly important. “I certainly see opportunities in further automated data exchange between chain partners, to reduce the administrative burden and the number of transactions.”

Genetic progress remains crucial as well. “There is still a great deal of potential to be unlocked in the chain through the long-announced potato varieties with improved resistances, higher yields and reduced input requirements.”

A clear course for the coming years

His focus for the coming years is clear. “A stable and reliable seed potato supply for Aviko and its growers, at a competitive price, and with varieties that meet the needs of our factories.”

What does the perfect seed potato look like? Jan Pieter summed it up succinctly. “A slow sprouter, full of vitality, with plenty of offspring.”

Connection within the chain

What inspires him most in his work is the connection between grower and consumer. “What makes our work at Aviko so special is that we literally create the link between the arable farming sector — which I am proud of — and the consumer, through a delicious portion of fries, which I absolutely love.”