The official Netherlands government policy to reduce the volume of chemical plant protection products, that will be laid down in a policy document later in 1991, includes the reduction of chemical haulm killers in potato growing. Although the prospects are promising, the reduction of chemical haulm killers has to be introduced gradually, thus enabling farmers and industry to meet the demands for reliable and effective mechanical equipment. Introduction of mechanical haulm destruction techniques has to go hand in hand with adaptation of alternative growing and harvesting techniques, choice of cultivar, etc., which have to satisfy phytosanitary and profitability requirements. During a transition period, at least one efficacious chemical compound must be available in case of emergency, where mechanical equipment cannot be brought into action for climatic reasons.