The seed potato harvest has come to a standstill this week, but growers may use the good weather next weekend to get back out on the land.
The 2017 harvest is a slog. Until last week, about 60% of the seed potatoes would have been harvested, but the last approximately 40% are not going fast. In North Holland, growers are a little further along and an estimated 20% still needs to be harvested. However, it should not take much longer, exporters say, otherwise it could become a minor drama. Then there will not be enough seed potatoes available in time for early export.
Will rot determine the season?
However, growers should be wary of rot. Some harvested too early. It is better to harvest in 2 weeks than to drive in rotten potatoes. Waiting is not easy, but it is the solution.
A number of plots will not work out. According to 1 source, there are a lot of issues with the bicycle this year, in terms of quality problems. Wetness-related issues, including rot, green and phytophthora. Yet someone else expects that these will not determine the season.
More reduced
De follow-up NAK figures show an increase in the reduction percentage. Compared to last week, this increased by 0,7% to 18,8%. The highest number of reductions in 5 years. This concerns 48,6% of the area to be examined. There is disappointment among growers when the seed potatoes are reduced from class E to A. Exporters can no longer sell these reduced batches.
There is also a story of a grower who requested a re-inspection to change class A to E again, but was ultimately further downgraded to B (consumption). Stories like this make others hesitant to go for a re-inspection.
Everything is about 2 weeks later
The high number of reductions may have consequences for the supply of class E. It will only be possible to estimate how serious the problem will become in a few weeks, but it is certain that it will have consequences.
Some exporters have already moved to France because there is currently insufficient supply of seed potatoes available. Everything is about 2 weeks later. Companies shift containers and boats arrive later than planned.
Good overseas question
Although it is annoying to work with delays and quality problems, it may not be bad from a market perspective. Trading is still quite quiet. Due to poor consumer prices, North Africa is clearly ordering less than last year.
There is a chance that demand will come from Eastern Europe; consumption potato yields are lower there. Overseas demand is good. Exporters expect a big difference between market segments and therefore between varieties. In addition, there is a lot of excess. That will not make up the balance, says an exporter.