The enormous volume of the Spanish potato harvest is once again confirmed with new official figures. Now that the harvest has started in Northern Spain, the pressure on the table potato market in the country is increasing. Unlimited acreage growth ensures that cultivation for arable farmers turns out to be a disaster.
The harvest in southern Andalusia in particular surprised the Spanish table potato market. The harvesting started very late, but the acreage is large and the yields are good. A month ago it was estimated that the total harvest in the area was 40% higher, compared to 2016. That figure has since been revised upwards to 60%. Government figures report a total volume of 208.000 tons of early potatoes. That means a plus of 80.000 tons compared to last year.
Heat lowers quality
This is partly the result of a growing acreage. This has gone from 4.300 to 6.100 hectares, while growers had no idea beforehand of the sales of their products at traders and supermarkets. Spanish potatoes are therefore weighing heavily on the table potato market in Western Europe. Due to a heat wave in mid-June, the quality has been greatly reduced. In Europe, many crops have been refused because of too poor quality. Spanish growers have stored as much product as possible in cold stores, where no buyer can be found. Local sales channels cannot sell the potatoes. Often this also concerns export varieties.
Harvest north started
In the north, the potato harvest has also started, while the summer and autumn crops are also on the way. In the regions of Murcia and Cartagena, the early potato market is now described as disastrous. Growers are currently offered € 13,00 to € 14,00 per 100 kilos of high-quality laundry suitable product.