It is rare that there is no quotation in Belgium, but with regard to the Belgapom quotation, that is the case for Friday 9 November.
After having quoted €3 per 100 kilos for Bintje and €5 for Challenger and Fontane for a number of weeks, with a weak mood, no price was announced for week 45. A special situation, given that Belgium is the country of free trade in potatoes and therefore in principle a price indication can always be put on the plate.
By the way, it turned out to be possible for PCA/Fiwap to score earlier in the week (an average of €2,50 for Bintje and €4 for Fontane/Challenger).
Get used to this problem
Not always being able to record is a problem that the market will have to deal with in the coming months. Interpreting and compiling the cash settlement can become difficult.
For example, no market price has been announced in Emmeloord for several weeks; simply because there are no known transactions. However, payment is made for potatoes that are delivered according to a previously made agreement (contract). However, this payout price is not based on transactions made.
The 'chicken-and-egg function' with regard to market formation (potato trade creates transactions on which the level of co-supplied potatoes can be determined) can be reduced this season, due to the more than abundant harvest in all EU-5 countries. come into danger. After all, the potatoes, which are covered by a contract (and there are many), must first be collected and only then does the free cultivation part start. There is virtually no room for the latter in the current market.