Since the beginning of this year, the Polish potato price has risen sharply. Not only because of the winter weather, but also because potato growers in the country are finally waking up. The relations between prices in Western and Central Europe are very skewed. The country is also trying to secure its export opportunities for the future.
After the harvest, average wholesale prices fell to a stable level of 7 to 8 euros per hundred kilos. However, this changed at the turn of the year. In three weeks the price rose by more than thirty percent. The price range is wider, with peaks of up to 15 euros for the highest quality. However, these are trade prices. The 'farmer prices' are therefore slightly lower. The level is a quarter below that of last season.
This is partly due to the winter weather. Transport to the Netherlands and Belgium can only take place with conditioned transport, although there are stories that the normal product flow also continues. In Romania there is also more demand, causing prices to rise. However, according to insiders, there is another fact that plays a role. Polish potato growers are finally waking up and realizing that their price level does not match that in Western Europe and the associated demand for raw materials. Buyers therefore have to come up with more money to trade.
Poland is the only country within the EU that is not allowed to export potatoes within the Union. That is a problem for the Polish potato growers' organization. This year the hares run differently, but normally this is not allowed due to ring rot contamination. The potato organization is in discussions with the Minister of Agriculture about being able to export freely in the future.
In order to freely export potatoes for consumption, the organization wants to set up a zone that is guaranteed to be free of ring rot. Within that zone it is only permitted to grow certified seed potatoes. Many companies now only use their own propagation. In addition, the consignments must be checked before export. This must happen faster than is currently the case, demands chairman Marian Sikora.
At the end of last year, the Polish minister of agriculture entered into discussions with the Dutch ambassador about the import and export of agricultural products. Last year, almost 40 percent more was harvested than in 2015. Western Europe has a potato shortage and the Poles are happy to help with that.
Another requirement that the Polish potato organization has submitted to the ministry are cultivation support measures. The sector is demanding more subsidies for the purchase of certified seed potatoes. Good news for the Dutch seed potato sector, but bad for consumer growers.