In addition to the potato processors, independent potato trading houses also publish their cultivation contracts for the 2019/2020 season. The Belgian RTL Patat raises the prices sharply. This is partly required to compensate for the higher seed potato prices.
RTL Fries from Menen-Lauwe (near Kortrijk) offers contracts for the Fontane, Challenger, Lady Anna and Bintje varieties. Prices are rising across the board, compared to last season, by a maximum of €2,50 per 100 kilos. It is a substantial increase compared to some other processors. "However, this price increase is necessary to be able to compensate for the higher seed potato price," says owner Rik Tanghe.
Seed potatoes decisive
"The availability and the price of the seed potatoes are decisive this season," he continues. "You can present a nice contract, but in the end it's all about seed potatoes. We see the prices rise by €200 to €400 per hectare. This means that the contract price has to increase by at least €1 to be able to compensate for this."
In the off-land period of the main harvest, starting in week 36, RTL Patat pays €11 per 100 kilos for Fontane and Challenger. For delivery from the shed, €0,50 is added. In April this is €15,70. In that month €15 is paid for Bintje and €17,50 for Lady Anna. In June, the price for Fontane is €17,50, for Bintje it is €16 and for Lady Anna €19. Compared to last season, the price has risen by €2,20 to €2,40 per 100 kilos.
Second row
According to Tanghe, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain sufficient starting material. "For the licensed varieties, trading houses refer us to the factories, which supply their own growers first. We come second."
As a result, Bintje continues to play a role, although the potato trader sees a split emerging. "The large growers no longer grow Bintjes, but are focusing on Fontane and Challenger for the industry. Especially small growers, who sell their product freely, still opt for Bintje. Since it is a free variety, the seed potato supply is somewhat easier. in Belgium they still like to use Bintje and the variety is also popular with home sales."
potato pool
In addition to Belgium, RTL Patat also has contract growers in the Netherlands; especially in Zeeland, where it has a branch under the name Bres Potato (the old Terra Point in Breskens). It also has its own potato pool. "The volume is slightly less this season, but it is expected to increase again next season. There is more interest in both Belgium and the Netherlands," Tanghe reports. Dutch growers can also participate in the pool. In its home country Belgium, RTL Patat is still unique with this sales form.