The following specific risks arose over the last year:
 

From an economic perspective, the global situation is similar to last year, which has made a neutral contribution to results.
 

The level of political unrest has remained largely the same but specific political decisions have had a negative impact on sales. In the past year, we have had no significant supply delays as a result of political risk. Export opportunities to Russia were further limited. Our international distribution has mitigated these risks.
 

Major exchange rate fluctuations occurred over the last year but the small scope of our foreign asset position meant that these had a minimal impact on the company results.
 

The growth which is forecast makes the necessity of attracting talent a matter for attention. Work on the image and communications of HZPC Holding is taking place to assist in this. Despite the squeeze on labour market conditions, we have been reasonably successful in attracting the right talent.
 

As certain crop protection products can no longer be used, the challenge for growers increases in relation to the cultivation and storage of seed potatoes. This issue will almost certainly become even more challenging in the coming years. This risk is managed by alternative measures and guidance. A great deal of work is also going into introducing varieties to the market that reduce the use of crop protection agents.
 

Provision of information and protection: growth and further digitisation have increased the dependence on IT systems. Steps are being taken towards a new, integrated system with an adequate infrastructure and back-up facilities. In addition, we are working on the replacement of the system and better security of the infrastructure. This is being tested by means of pentests and employee training.

Risks that are always present are not specific to this reporting year. However, the implementation of a new ERP system will correspond to additional risks in the coming year. Rigid project management and external quality control will help to keep the business risks to an absolute minimum. These risks shall probably relate to a loss of turnover and margin, and a lower service level.
 

The seed potato market is a global market. Our sales can be influenced by phytosanitary impediments and political factors. Disease risk plays an important part in breeding seed potatoes. Quarantine diseases in particular have a large influence on the availability of seed potatoes. The discovery of a quarantine disease at our breeding station or in our production area could seriously delay the development of new varieties and the sale of varieties which have already been produced.
 

Our operating profit is subject to credit risks. The financial position of the various buyers in politically unstable areas has definitely not become any less difficult or any easier to assess. For the coming period, a credit risk will continue to apply. However, this is no different than in other years. This remains a high risk, which could also have a serious impact. We are noticing, particularly in the overseas markets, that it is taking longer to be paid.
Where possible we have taken the following mitigating measures to counter this.

• We regularly use safeguards such as advance payments, LCs and bank guarantees.
• Credit limits are actively monitored throughout the season.
• New deliveries for the new season are rarely permitted until debts from the previous season have been paid.
   

HZPC Holding and her subsidiaries may be held responsible for any liabilities arising out of non-compliance with laws and regulations. As HZPC Holding, we do business in more and more countries that have juridical compliance processes with which we have to comply. The UK Bribery Act is an example of one such law with which HZPC Holding and also other international companies have to comply. We are fully aware that the risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations can damage our reputation and lead to serious legal consequences. This year, the introduction of the GDPR has been given the necessary attention.
 

There is a chance that substitute products may be developed, such as competing varieties or the production of earlier and/or better potatoes from seed, but it does not represent a high risk in the short term.