Growing crops future-proof
Together with our potato growers, we work to secure a sustainable supply of responsibly grown potatoes. Our Proud Farmers dedicate their land, passion and expertise to growing the best potatoes in a responsible way. This forms the foundation of the very best Aviko products. By working closely with our growers, we build a potato cultivation system that can withstand changing weather conditions profitable and sustainable, now and in the future.
In 2025, more than 100 growers in the Netherlands and France participated in our four‑year Future Proof Farming programme, based on the Regenerating Together Framework of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI-Platform). With a holistic approach – focusing on soil, water, climate and biodiversity – we support growers with tailored knowledge and advice. Growers choose the measures that best suit their farm, local context and priorities, and each year they implement at least one additional measure to make their cultivation more future-proof. In this way, we are building a cultivation system together that is ready for the future.
Milestones in 2025
15% of our potato volume is grown by growers participating in the Future Proof Farming programme in the Netherlands and France.
Achievement of the first official FSA Silver rating in China.
Through the Future Proof Farming programme, we are part of the Community of Practice of the SAI-Platform.
Practical trials on our inspiration farms focusing on more robust varieties, sustainable fertilisation and mechanical weed control.
Growers participating in the Future Proof Farming programme have implemented at least two future-proof measures on their farms.
200 growers participated in measurements of soil health and available nitrogen in the soil, aimed at reducing leaching into surface water.
84% of our EU growers are rated FSA Gold (Farm Sustainability Assessment – SAI-Platform).
A year of learning, adapting and looking ahead with grower Jérôme
In the north of France, where clay soils and unpredictable seasons set the rhythm of cultivation, Jérôme, a participating grower in Aviko’s Future Proof Farming programme, looks back on his first year in the programme. It was a year in which he not only gained new insights but also experienced first-hand the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Future‑Proof Farming in practice: from insight to implementation
Within the Future Proof Farming programme, Aviko works together with growers from the Netherlands and France on future‑proof potato cultivation. The programme gives growers the opportunity to take steps towards more sustainable farming practices from within their own business context. Growers themselves determine where their focus lies and which measures best fit their farm and surroundings.
What future‑proof farming looks like in practice differs from one business to another. The experiences of Dutch growers Martin Lamberink and Karin Oonk show that there is no single blueprint for future‑proof farming. What is central, however, is ownership: taking the lead yourself, with support where it adds value.
Working together
Future-proof potato cultivation requires collaboration throughout the chain. That is why we work together with Cosun on the Groeikracht programme, where knowledge sharing between growers is central and research is translated into practice. Within the Future Proof Farming programme, we collaborate with knowledge partners such as Crop Solutions, Delphy and Greensol, who support growers with tailored expertise and practical advice. Banks and customers are also involved as financial and value-chain partners. In this way, we work together – from farm to fork.
In addition, Aviko invests together with partners in the development of more robust potato varieties that require less fertilisation and are more resilient to diseases and climate change. With these targeted efforts, we are taking concrete steps to further reduce the average CO₂ footprint per potato in the coming years.
Future Proof Farming
From farm‑level decisions to cultivation measures
With a holistic approach focused on soil, water, climate and biodiversity, growers in the Future Proof Farming programme annually select the measures that best fit their farm and local context.
In this overview, we show how Future Proof Farming works in practice. From farmyard to potato field: from broad, farm-level choices to concrete measures in potato cultivation.
- Knowledge: meetings for knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences, combined with tailored guidance from experts at Delphy, Crop Solutions and Greensol.
- Financial incentives: interest rate discounts via banks and an additional premium per tonne of potatoes.
- Data collection: measurements, crop registration and assessments based on regenerative agriculture practices (SAI-Platform).
Company-wide measures
- Enhancing biodiversity through crop diversity and field margins/buffer strips.
- Reducing emissions on the farm site from crop protection by collecting residual liquids and rinse water.
- Making potato storage more sustainable
through energy efficient climate contro
Cultivation measures
- Non inversion soil cultivation to improve soil structure and increase water infiltration.
- Increasing soil organic matter through organic fertilisers, compost, green manures and/or mulching.
- Top up fertilisation monitor for efficient nutrient use.
Irrigation
- Optimising water use with the help of soil moisture sensors.
Crop protection
- DSS systems (Decision Support Systems) for targeted crop protection.
- New spraying techniques to minimise drift and maximise effectiveness
Field analysis
- Leaf and soil analysis for targeted nutrient management and reduced nitrogen losses
After harvesting, the soil is
cultivated again to improve structure,
soil health and moisture regulation.
- The use of green manures and catch crops contributes to soil cover, nutrient retention, improved soil structure and organic matter content, stimulates soil life, and reduces leaching and erosion.
Our goals and current status
Improving water and soil quality: nitrogen soil surplus
2025
64,9 kg N/ha
50% reduction in plant protection products in 2030 compared to 2015-2017**
2025
-82%
2030
-50%
30% reduction in CO2 emissions from cultivation compared to 2022
2025
*
2030
-30%
100% FSA Gold rating for EU growers by 2027 (China: 2030)
2025
84%
Aviko EU
2027
100%
100% of EU growers participating in future‑proof farming programme
2025
9%
2030
100%
*At the time of publication, the figures for 2025 are not yet available
**corrected by HRI factor