**Netherlands**: Kroes Dronten farm is enhancing the quality and sustainability of potato supply for Five Guys. Implementing innovative agronomic practices like in-row fertilisation, the farm ensures consistency and flavour, positioning itself as a vital part of the global food supply chain.
In the fast-paced and increasingly competitive realm of fast-food supply chains, the importance of consistency, quality, and punctuality cannot be overstated. This is particularly true for Kroes Dronten, a Dutch arable farm led by Philip Kroes and his dedicated team of specialists, including Adriaan Wortman, Alexander Plasschaert, and Wilbert Van de Streek. Their primary focus is the supply of high-quality Innovator variety potatoes to the international fast-food chain, Five Guys, renowned for its fresh burgers and hand-cut fries.
The potatoes cultivated at Kroes Dronten are specially selected to meet Five Guys’ exacting standards, which require a rigorous control over growing conditions to ensure consistent size, frying quality, and flavour. To achieve these requirements, the farm has implemented innovative agronomic practices aimed at enhancing both yield and sustainability.
One of the key advancements introduced this year is the in-row fertilisation technique. This method involves the application of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers directly beside each planted row, thereby improving nutrient uptake while minimising waste. According to Wageningen University & Research, this precision method can enhance nutrient use efficiency by as much as 15% compared to traditional broadcasting techniques. Furthermore, the adoption of pre-sprouted seed potatoes, known locally as voorkiemzakken, is enabling the farm to initiate early harvesting. This strategy allows Kroes Dronten to commence the supply of fresh potatoes by August, aligning with the start of Five Guys’ fry production season.
In total, fourteen growers are currently part of the Five Guys potato programme, with expectations for further participation in future seasons. Adriaan Wortman, leading the team at FarmCoaching, plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration among these growers. FarmCoaching provides not only certified seed potatoes but also technical assistance covering a range of topics including storage, grading, and harvest timing. This cooperative framework aims to bolster production capacity, mitigate risks, and maintain uniform product quality across the participating farms.
As transparency and sustainability continue to shape consumer choices, the Dutch potato farming community is positioning itself as a valuable ally in the global food supply chain. By leveraging shared expertise and resources, this network is adeptly meeting industrial demands while effectively managing production costs. Adriaan Wortman articulated this philosophy succinctly, stating, “In farming, it’s all about cost-efficient work and smart division of labour—you have to get a lot done in a short time.”
Adriaan’s journey into agriculture is one marked by passion rather than heritage. His early experiences working the land ignited a deep appreciation for agricultural work. After earning a degree from Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Dronten and gaining diverse experience on farms both domestically and internationally, Adriaan now combines practical knowledge with a strategic outlook. He expressed the satisfaction derived from his efforts, remarking, “If you can sit down at 11 p.m. with your team, have a beer, and know you’ve done a great job—there’s nothing better.”
The collaboration between Kroes Dronten and the FarmCoaching network demonstrates how precision agriculture, teamwork, and a shared commitment to quality can yield successful outcomes, even when serving demanding clients like Five Guys. Through continuous innovations in crop management and the strengthening of partnerships, Dutch potato farmers are illustrating their capacity to meet global demands whilst delivering local excellence—one fry at a time.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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