Despite the fact that large amounts of rain have fallen in Lower Saxony, this does not directly affect the potato market in Germany. There are sufficient compensation options. In addition, the market is calm due to the summer holidays.
On Wednesday, July 26, up to 80 millimeters of rain fell in large parts of Lower Saxony in one day, as a result of which the potato harvesters were forced to stop. Attempts were made to harvest, but that was no longer possible after the heavy rainfall. Especially on heavier soil, the precipitation can hardly get away, so that the potatoes are under water.
Damage unclear
It is not yet clear how much damage has occurred as a result of the precipitation. It is difficult to form a complete picture. Farmers try to save what they can save and give parties extra ventilation. It is not yet possible to say to what extent this has an effect on the market supply. Market prices will remain unchanged from the previous days on Friday 28 July.
Harvesting on light soil
The supply shortage is compensated by other regions. In the Lüneburger Heide region, it is possible to harvest on the sandy soil. Harvesting is also possible in Saxony-Anhalt, where there was less rain. Precipitation is not a problem on higher parcels. On the heavier soil there is water in the spray tracks and between the beds.
Question from Belgium
In most other German potato-growing areas, an average of 15 to 30 millimeters of precipitation fell, with peaks of up to 50 millimeters. This does not hinder the crops, but has a positive effect on crop development. The harvesting work can also continue as usual. The moist soil makes harvesting easier.
In the Rhineland, chips potatoes are harvested for the Belgian and French chips industry. Yields are around 55 tons per hectare, with a lot of excess. Since the German crops perform significantly better than the Belgian early potatoes, there is a lot of demand from the industry. In addition, Belgian contract growers are waiting to harvest, in the hope that more kilos will grow. However, they are subject to a time limit, because often a vegetable crop is grown after early potatoes.
Lower prices
Reka quotes for the Premiere this week €13 to €14 per 100 kilos. That is €1 less than last week. Zorba, for the French fries industry, quotes €15 per 100 kilos. That's a $2 reduction from last week.