The results of Agrico's table potato pool for the 2016 harvest managed to reach a price range between €23 and €27. In organic potatoes, the high prices compensated for the low yields.
Due to the moderate growing season, the kilogram yield per hectare of ware potatoes is lower than the previous season. This was not only the national picture, but also that of large parts of Europe. This resulted in a positive market where the French fries industry was the driving force, especially at the start of the season. The Agrico varieties are gaining ground on the market, not only because of the quality of the varieties but also because of the performance of the growers.
Milva, the largest Agrico variety in this segment, comes in at €23,78. The pool price for the firm-boiling Erika variety is €27,85. The red-skinned variety Esmee comes out at €25,53. €32,88 is paid for the Cerisa variety, a specialty variety. All prices quoted are per 100 kg, delivered unsorted in week 9 in size 0/+.
Organic farming was disappointing
In the cultivation of organic ware potatoes, the yields were very disappointing because phytophthora was a problem early in the growing season. The low yields caused a shortage on the European organic market, resulting in good sales prices. Due to these good selling prices, an average balance of €11.036 was achieved.
This brings the average price to €53,58 per 100 kg, delivered unsorted in week 3 in size 0/+. The Phytophthora-resistant varieties showed a positive picture in terms of yield compared to non-resistant varieties. The introduction of these varieties, including Carolus and Alouette, is going well in both retail and industry.
Lead in resistant varieties
Director Jan van Hoogen: "We have also achieved good results for our ware potatoes. For our organic segment we can be pleased that, despite the difficult growing season, we have made up for a lot by high prices. Here we are seeing our lead in resistant varieties more and more reflected in our results.”
Read here about the performance of the seed potato pool.
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