Problems with through washing are making the potato harvest in the United Kingdom (UK) more difficult, partly because the time of spraying is delayed. The potato growers start later than usual, which entails risks. This also has an effect on prices.
Throughwash is not a problem where British potato growers have a lot to do with it. For many it is a unique situation in a year of extremes. The Agria variety is increasing in popularity at various 'fish & chip shops', but it is precisely in this variety that growing is a challenge.
Let it spray to death
Government organization AHDB Potato reports that crops are being sprayed to death in many places at the end of September. The 'death injection moment' is later than in other years. Arable farmers have waited as long as possible, hoping to benefit from the regrowth. That has certainly not been successful everywhere.
In many places little rain fell during September. Where precipitation did fall, this mainly resulted in overgrowth. The main tubers are often skin-tight and ready to harvest. However, the grown tubers molt, forcing the harvesters to stop. On average, the idea is that it takes longer before the crops are ready for harvest.
Harvest starts late
This week is on big scale a start has been made with clearing for storage. Very low temperatures (with night frost), alternating with high temperatures during the day, cause further discomfort. The sudden arrival of rain keeps growers busy, which often means a start is made. The harvest is probably at one point comparable level with Belgium and France; about 20% has been harvested there. Perhaps this is even less on the other side.
Overgrowth is a problem, especially in the east. The non-irrigated plots suffer from scab. In the west the potatoes are much greener. Spraying to death is not yet an option, in order to benefit from regrowth. Only in the south is currently being cleared for storage. In Scotland, the harvesting conditions for (seed) potatoes are a challenge due to the danger of night frost and conditions that are too dry.
Top prices for top quality
All these challenges continue to put pressure on the market. Local markets in particular have to deal with this. The free market for French fries potatoes is quiet. According to an insider, McCain pays £300 per tonne ex-land, equivalent to €33,70 per 100 kilos. However, potato growers are convinced that the current price level (from £300 to £350 per tonne) will quickly rise to £1 from December 400. That makes them expectant. In addition, the fine sorting is a problem for factories.
The price for sorted and bagged potatoes that go to the 'fish & chip shops' is at a stable high level. In the east, Agria pays up to €40 per 100 kilos and in the south it is even €45 (for sublime quality). A price of £300 per tonne (€33,70 per 100 kilos) is seen as a bottom. With such prices Sour the highest price level. The largest variety: Maris Piper, records prices up to €38 per 100 kilos.