Austrian potato market turns 180 degrees

Landwirtschaftskammer Niederösterreich calls the potato market in Austria is currently stable. The later spring has ensured that supplies and consumption are better balanced. Previously it seemed that the stock of old harvest was more than sufficient, but now potato growers are happy when the storage is still full. There is enough interest to purchase this.

late spring
After an excellent winter sports season, followed by changeable weather, spring also starts later in Austria. Not only the early potatoes, but also the main harvest goes into the ground a little later, the agricultural organization estimates. In the meantime, potato deliveries are continuing well, which is why the organization expects that the end of the season may bring about price increases.

It is mainly the domestic market that purchases potatoes. The 'artificially' high price level ensures that Austrian potatoes are priced too high for export. In Lower Austria, €22 to €25 per 100 kilos are paid for table potatoes. Top size is priced lower (€20). Top quality in small packaging with the AMA label (a kind of Milieukeur) is traded for €26 per 100 kilos. The Landwirtschaftskammer notes that the price for export potatoes is at a considerably lower level.

Dutch share
The export of Dutch consumption potatoes to Austria is small. The volume has decreased slightly every year since 2013. The volume has now been reduced by almost 50%. The country is mainly on the market when there are calamities that reduce the harvest. Most potatoes are then brought from neighboring Germany.

(Text continues below the chart)Potato exports to Austria per harvest year up to and including February.

No frost damage
A new wave of moderate frost, also called the 'little Russian bear', is causing the planting machines to stand still in Germany. This does not mean things will go smoothly in the early growing areas. Crops planted at the beginning of the month are not affected by frost.