Favorable weather conditions ensure that the potato harvest in the United Kingdom (UK) is running smoothly. Only the Southwest throws a spanner in the works. What's up with that?
Beautiful autumn weather has ensured that the potato harvest in eastern England went smoothly. The yields are good, which sometimes makes storage a problem. A few growers have problems with tuberous phytophthora. Grabbing is also going well in the west of England. It is expected that almost everything will have been cleared by the end of this week.
In Scotland, where it was wet for a long time, potato growers can now also get going. About 60% of the potatoes for consumption have been harvested, according to AHDB Potato. The yield is average or slightly above average. The quality good.
Only in the south of England does rain throw a spanner in the works. As a result, the harvesting work is running a bit behind schedule. Due to the wetness, damage by snails has also been reported.
Oversupply puts pressure on prices
As elsewhere in Europe, prices are under strong pressure due to good yields. It is difficult to find a buyer for lots that do not fit in the shed. In the market for sorted and packaged potatoes, Maris Piper pays €172 per tonne. That of other varieties is considerably lower, at more than €90 per tonne. The market for sorted potatoes in bags, for fresh chip production, is also under considerable pressure. Prices range from €80 to €113 per tonne. The top is formed, among other things, by Agria.
Chip potatoes not desired
Trade in free chip potatoes hardly takes place. Marquis and Ramos are trading at £100 per tonne, equivalent to €113. Prices for peeling are much lower, at a maximum of €45. At the same time last year, the market was around €200 per tonne.
Seed potatoes are once again pricey
British potato growers had to dig deep into their pockets to obtain seed potatoes this spring. The low yields and problems with growth cracks led to a lack of sufficient starting material. Insiders report that they also have to pay a lot for seed potatoes at the moment. For Agria, delivered in bulk in March, the costs are €680 per tonne.
Exchange rate unfavourable
Growers have to swallow the prices, given the current market situation. In their opinion, there is more than enough seed material available. However, the wet weather is not said that this is actually the case. There are also more quality problems due to all the rain. Trading houses also mention the exchange rate of the pound as an important factor. Last year, 1 pound was currently worth €1,17. Today that is €1,12.
Last year, 20.190 tons of seed potatoes were shipped to the United Kingdom. An increase of 1.200 tons compared to 2015.