LTO round the table with potato industry

We can no longer speak of a 'normal' drought. The situation is extreme, LTO Akkerbouw chairman Jaap van Wenum also realizes. The group of growers who can benefit from this is small. The representative says that it follows all developments closely and provides assistance where necessary.

"The drought is often financially beneficial for arable farmers," said Jaap van Wenum on 16 July in a statement interview with Boerenbusiness† Yet he realizes that the group that can benefit from this is very small. "It costs a lot of money for the largest group. The potatoes are often grown under contract. It is becoming difficult to meet the obligations. My estimate of 20% to 25% fewer potatoes now seems on the low side. Where it is not possible to irrigate , for example in Zeeland, the onion harvest is considerably lower, among other things."

Irrigation ban
LTO tries to keep a finger on the pulse when it comes to irrigation bans. "Nationally we have good contact with the Union of Water Boards", according to Van Wenum. "At a local level there is a say when board members of LTO Nederland sit on the boards of the individual water boards. This is how we draw attention to the concerns of farmers."

"In many places, fresh water can be let in and buffered. Those buffers do not just run out. I see no reason for a national irrigation ban. The water boards look first at the drinking water supply and safety. Agriculture comes in third place."

With industry around the table
If it is up to Van Wenum, LTO will remain involved in the financial settlement. "We are currently monitoring how processors deal with the delivery obligation within contracts for potatoes, but also for canned goods. If necessary, we want to meet with the processing industry to ask for leniency, for example by postponing deliveries so that there are extra growing days. for the crop. We are also looking closely at the pre-delivery of sugar beets. However, it is too early to make firm statements."

The Flemish Minister of Agriculture Joke Schauvliege has knownmade declare the drought in Belgium an official agricultural disaster. This means that the claim file is opened and affected farmers can file a claim. If the damage threshold is reached, those affected are entitled to financial compensation.

Sector doesn't beg
Van Wenum reacts somewhat laconically to the situation in Belgium. The Netherlands does not have a disaster fund. "We are not a sector that begs the government," he responds. "If money is made available at European level, then we want to take advantage of it. The discussion about Ecological Focus Areas comes first. Roughage can now be obtained here in various European countries. Neighboring countries Germany and Belgium have not yet applied for this exemption. For this we consult with the livestock sector. Arable farming may also help by sowing catch crops for livestock farmers to harvest.”

Due to the extreme situation, the Agriculture Department of LTO Nederland now meets on a weekly basis; partly because things are developing very quickly. "We don't know what the high temperatures of 30 degrees plus will do to crop growth," said the chairman. "This partly determines the policy."

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.