The packing of seed potatoes is at the lowest level since 2012, according to the packing figures of the NAK inspection service. There remains a lot of seed potatoes that will be sold as consumption or feed potatoes.
From the 2017 harvest, 849.819 tons of seed potatoes were planted (up to and including March 2018). This means that more than 85.000 fewer tons have been certified compared to the same period last year. Seed potato traders confirm the significantly lower volume. Ton Stolte, operations manager at NAK: "There was less sealing in March than last year, but more than in previous years."
(Text continues below the chart)Plumbing is currently behind the previous 4 years.
A difficult export season is the main cause of the backlog. The low consumer potato price ensures that a lot of non-certified seed potatoes are used is becoming. Seed potato traders also say that the yield in the seed size is lower than last year. In addition, late spring plays a role: purchasing seed potatoes is postponed.
Seed potato surplus
Gerard de Geus, director of Cooperative Seed and Seed Potato Growers Association Anna Paulowna (ZAP): "There will probably be seed potatoes left over, which will be sold as consumption or feed potatoes. Seed potatoes that have been treated with Imazalil will go into the biogas industry."
This not only concerns oversized seed potatoes, but also seed potatoes in salable sizes. This means that more feed potatoes are available, while the supply is already large.
Bright spot
A bright spot, according to Peter Ton, director of Stet Holland, is that professional markets in particular still need to be supplied. They do not simply adjust their planning to the market mood. "In my opinion, we have reached the low point. The growing demand from the French fries industry will still have to be supplied."
However, compared to last year, the difference will continue to increase. This is because demand from Europe was above average. "I wouldn't be surprised if there will be 10% to 18% less sealing compared to last year," says Ton.