Seed potato exports are again low. This is evident from figures from the Netherlands Potato Organization (NAO). The question is whether the export will start in time?
Seed potato exports remain very meager, because figures from the NAO show that 497.542 tons have been exported up to and including the end of February. That is more than 50.000 tons less than in the same period last year. This is even the lowest export figure in the past 4 years.
Exports to European countries in particular are lower; almost 45.000 fewer tonnes of seed potatoes were exported. Jan van Hoogen, director of Agrico, indicates that the lower exports are due to the low prices for consumption potatoes in Europe. According to Van Hoogen, many growers therefore go uncertified plant potatoes. He does expect exports to increase even further in the near future.
Alternatives
The export cart is currently being pulled by Africa. That continent has purchased more than 187.000 tons from the Netherlands. The exporters have especially done their best in Algeria, Libya and Sudan. Those countries actually purchased more. The hope is that seed potato exports will still take off in other countries. That's how it was already message that Russia wants to import extra from the Netherlands.
There is strong hope among the trading houses that exports will pick up later. However, there is fear that this will be too late. Meanwhile, in South America it may be decided not to grow seed potatoes, but to opt for consumption potatoes or other crops.
Storage situation
The quality of the seed potatoes in storage is generally good, says Olaf van Campen, crop advisor at Adama. He does notice that the Innovator variety has been susceptible to germination since January. There have also been some problems with condensation due to the frost.