Now that the growing season is on its last legs, the question is how much longer to wait with the harvest. In many cases the decision is made quickly, as the plots with mainly the former main harvesting lines (such as Innovator) are ready for harvesting.
For the somewhat later main harvest varieties (including Fontane and Markies) that still have some (very limited in some plots) growth potential, the harvest will be postponed as long as possible. Perhaps even well into October.
Depth record?
Squeezing out the last bit of weight. That is the motto, especially now that the total European potato harvest will reach a record low. While a total of 38 million tons were harvested in Europe last season (starch, seed and consumption potatoes), this harvest year is expected to be around 30 million tons. In the 2016 harvest year that is more comparable (in terms of reference), the final European harvest was set at 33,8 million tons.
The record low has caused the market price to rise explosively to a historic ex-land price of €26 to €28 per 100 kilos (depending on variety, quality and size). Business is slowly being done for delivery after the ex-country period. For example, transactions have been made for potatoes of the Fontane variety (delivery in January and with the desired specifications) at €32 per 100 kilos. With all the knowledge available, the futures market for the April quotation (€31 per 100 kilos is the closing quotation on Friday, September 14) is certainly not on the high side.
Postpone harvest
The current, and perhaps even future, very high market prices will tempt growers to postpone the harvest for as long as possible (if there is still growth potential). Postponing the harvest certainly entails risks with November approaching. If autumn shows its teeth (unstable weather), this can cause even more tension in the current season.