Following the example of the Netherlands, the Flemish Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has now also given their permission to broaden the growth crack standard for seed potatoes in Belgium. This means that tubers with growth cracks up to 1,5 centimeters in depth are allowed to be sold as seed.
Boerenbusiness wrote Tuesday, January 10, that the goal of the Dutch standard adjustment has not reached its goal. This conclusion can be drawn after discussions with insiders from the potato sector. The aforementioned extra tons – about 20.000 tons – turns out to be no more than 5.000 tons upon inquiry. And that while the affected potato varieties Fontane and Agria are so badly needed.
The Flemish seed lots also show growth cracks. Mainly in the French fries varieties, writes news site Felt. With the old standard, there was a real chance of a seed potato shortage. The potato sector argues that the risk of fraudulent trade is increasing, which in turn entails enormous phytosanitary risks.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries therefore decided, after consultation with the Flemish Association of Seed Potato Growers, Inagro/PCA and Belgapom, to broaden the standard for growth cracks. Batches with growth cracks no deeper than 1,5 centimeters may be marketed regardless of the presence percentage. If the cracks are deeper, a tolerance of 3 percent applies.
Flanders had 2015 hectares of seed potatoes in 1.482 and 2014 hectares in 1.370. In addition, another 830 and 930 hectares from Wallonia will be added in 2015 and 2014. Area figures per potato variety are not available.
It is unlikely that the standard extension will have much influence on the price of seed potatoes. Insiders report that Belgian buyers are scouring the Netherlands to get their hands on seed potatoes. This pushes the price of Bintje seed potatoes to unprecedented heights. Stock exchange Middenmeer quotes 11 euros per 110 kg for Bintje A 100/28mm and 35 euros per 76 kg for 100/35mm before 45 January. A plus of 20 and 16 euros in a week.
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