Compared to other varieties, Agria fries potato can always count on a plus in pricing. It is therefore the favorite of the free clay grower. A capricious growing season and a difficult harvest confirm his image as a 'damsel'. Good quality is scarce, but the market seems unimpressed.
The large amount of precipitation during the second half of the growing season, resulting in flooding, makes the storage of Agrias a real challenge. The experts are used to that, but they also have to make every effort (fans) this year. Even now, there is still a lot of production going on and batches are checked daily.
The problem parties continue to appear, insiders say. There are relatively many storage problems, especially on Goeree-Overflakkee, but the islands of Zeeland also have to contend with them.
Storage issues
Even when harvesting has taken place under good conditions, this is not a free pass for a problem-free party. "Over time it seems as if the tubers are suffocating in storage," says an insider. Hollow is a common problem this season. These hollow potatoes will leak over time, igniting the rest of the batch.
It is precisely the top size (60 to 70 millimeters upwards) that sorters can sell well to producers of fresh fries. The smaller sizes are exported to Spain and Switzerland. The United Kingdom is not on the market this year and currently has sufficient product.
Market prices
Agria is known for being able to make a difference in the market, although the current price difference is still below cost price. Good quality Agria can count on a maximum price of around €7 per 100 kilos. The most recent PotatoNL quotation has a range of €4 to €8 per 100 kilos.
In addition, the French fries industry forms a floor of €4 to €5 per 100 kilos. Farm Frites, among other things, is one of the few Agria processes. Fries-suitable batches must have a minimum underwater weight of 400. That is also sometimes a challenge.
Outlook
Discussions with growers and traders show that the general expectation is that there is more in the market. Despite the fact that many consignments were delivered early (due to quality problems), the market is not shrinking. The current export market is suggested for this purpose. Exporters are operating at less than half capacity, due to low European demand. France has a dominant presence. The thinking is that a price level of €10 will be achievable in the coming weeks and months. However, even the good parts show wear. The question is whether longer storage is sufficiently worthwhile. Extensive ventilation comes with a price.
The area figures for Agria's consumption potatoes are not available. This is the case for seed potatoes. The breed has been on the rise since 2014. Partly because the variety can now be propagated without a license. In 2017, the surface area of raw material was 2.130 hectares. Yet insiders are of the opinion that the area in the Netherlands is decreasing. Agria is also grown in Belgium and Germany.