The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC) is an initiative of the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) and the Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR). PGSC is a consortium of research teams from sixteen different countries, who together have accepted the challenge of determine the complete DNA sequence of potato. Other participating countries are Brazil, Chile, Peru, Canada, the United States, Denmark, France, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Great Britain, the Russian Federation, India, China and New Zealand. All activities are coordinated from Wageningen, where the potato genome database will also be maintained.

The potato genome consists of twelve different chromosomes. All partners of the consortium have chosen the chromosomes, on which to focus their sequencing efforts. In order to give all partners a flying start, researchers from Wageningen have conducted a great deal of preparatory work. For example, they have developed DNA libraries that the partners can access, as well as creating a map of the twelve chromosomes.

The Dutch government has now decided to provide financing, both for the sequencing of chromosome #1 and the coordination of the entire consortium. Wageningen University is still eager to find Dutch partners to help finance the sequencing of their other chosen chromosome #5.

A total of 3 million euros has been committed by the Dutch government. This money has been allocated from the FES fund, which is for structural investment in the Dutch economic structure.

The unravelling of the genome will enable potato growers and the processing industry to make better use of the potato's genetic potential. Insight into the potato genome creates numerous opportunities for developing new varieties with, for example, higher disease resistance and improved nutritional quality. Such improvements would have global implications, as the potato is the world's fourth most important crop