Europatat has elected Peter Ton as its new president during its 2026 Congress in Brussels. The decision marks a leadership change for the European Potato Trade Association. Members from across Europe gathered to vote and discuss the future of the potato sector.
The congress brought together around 90 participants. They included growers, traders, and industry experts. The main focus was the future of the European potato market and the challenges ahead.
The association, known as Europatat, represents the potato trade industry across Europe. It works on issues such as trade rules, plant health, food safety, and market development.
Peter Ton, who now becomes Europatat President, is also Chief Operating Officer of Royal HZPC Group. He represents the Dutch potato association NAO. His appointment was confirmed during the election held in Brussels.
Ton succeeds Tigran Richter from Norika/DHKV in Germany. Richter completed a four-year term on the board. Members thanked him for his service and leadership during a period of change in the sector.
The new leadership team also includes experienced industry representatives. Vlastimil Rasocha from Medipo Agro/CBS in Czechia will continue as Vice-President. Francisco Moya from Vitalis Group/Fedepom in France remains Treasurer.
Peter Ton has long experience in the potato industry. He has worked in the sector throughout his career. Within Europatat, he joined the Advisory Committee in 2022. He also chaired the Seed Commission before becoming president.
His appointment comes at a time when the European potato sector faces several challenges. These include sustainability rules, climate pressure, and changing consumer demand. Industry members are also dealing with stricter regulations across Europe.
During the General Assembly, members approved the association’s financial accounts. They also reviewed progress on the 2025 to 2028 strategy plan. The plan sets goals for the next years of the organization.
Key priorities include trade development and plant health standards. Food safety and the RUCIP trading rules also remain important. RUCIP is a set of rules used in potato trade contracts across Europe.
The association is also increasing its focus on sustainability. This includes reporting methods and environmental measurement tools. Water management is another growing concern for the industry.
Europatat is also working on promoting potato consumption. It supports research into potato production and nutrition. Members say the goal is to keep potatoes relevant in modern diets and food systems.
A new activity report covering 2025 to 2026 was also presented at the congress. It highlights the work done since June 2025. The report is available online through the association’s official channels.
In his first comments as president, Peter Ton thanked members for their trust. He said he will work to strengthen Europatat’s role in Europe. He also said the association should continue connecting companies across the potato value chain.
The leadership change comes at an important moment for the industry. European agriculture is under pressure from climate change and market shifts. Potato producers and traders are adapting to new rules and expectations.
Experts say leadership stability will be important for the sector. Strong coordination between countries helps maintain trade flow and food security. Europatat aims to play a central role in that process.
With its new board in place, the association is expected to focus on long term planning. Members will continue discussions on sustainability, trade standards, and innovation in potato farming.
The Brussels congress ended with agreement on future priorities. The new leadership team will guide the organization through the 2026 to 2030 mandate.
