Potato processors agree that the connection between the old and new crop will be exciting. An early or late spring makes or breaks the situation. Planting season 2019 has started energetically, but will this close the potato gap?
The chip producers hoped for an early spring, so that they could have new potatoes available early in the season. That hope has now come true, because the first potatoes went into the ground at the end of February.
Early start
Traditionally, it is mainly the growers of early potatoes, especially on the island of Tholen, who start planting their potatoes (very) early. A few have also ventured to plant potatoes for consumption, hoping to benefit from the high price level and a possible shortage. The Frieslander and Solist varieties, among others, were destroyed.
Some chip potatoes have also been planted sporadically in the south of the Netherlands. The contract price for potatoes (ex field), delivered from week 28 or 29, has been significantly increased. In individual cases, an even higher price is offered if delivery can be made earlier. A major disadvantage is that the availability of seed potatoes for the early varieties was very limited, especially the popular Premiére variety.
German planting work
Planting work has also started in other Western European countries. The Palatinate is Germany's premier area and according to the growers' association, the area (4.000 hectares) will remain stable this year: mainly table potatoes, but also French fries potatoes. Insiders estimate that 25% to 30% of potatoes are now in the ground. The soil is dry and has a good structure. Planting started (mid-February) approximately 1 week earlier than average.
Less has happened in the German Rhineland. It is estimated that approximately 10% of the potatoes are now in the ground there. This mainly concerns table potatoes and a small number of French fry varieties. German table potato growers expect a larger supply from Egypt, Israel and Spain. This could negatively affect market prices. Brexit can also influence the market for early potatoes.
Austria and Switzerland
Potatoes have also been planted in small quantities in Austria, just like in Switzerland. Due to the high demand for raw materials, table potatoes are sometimes even purchased for processing in Austria. However, the area cannot be expanded due to a shortage of seed potatoes. A significant increase is expected for onions.
In Poland the temperature also rose considerably in February, especially in the west and southwest it is dry. Last winter there was little snow compared to the north (east). Attention was then paid to the grains. Arable farmers are hesitant, because March may bring some winter weather again. The Poznán area is the early growing area of Poland. The weather is nice there this week, but it will be colder and changeable next week.
Warm in French growing area
Around the French city of Bordeaux, where several potato processors are active in the cultivation of early chip potatoes, the temperature rose to summer values in February. According to insiders, plenty of potatoes have been planted thanks to the weather. Although rain also brought work to a standstill there. It remains changeable, although the precipitation is not too bad. The temperature is expected to rise again.
In the United Kingdom, planting also started (very) early, thanks to the nice weather. On the east coast, table potatoes are mainly grown, with chip potatoes following later. Drought is a major concern; Irrigation is therefore a must on sandy soil. Water basins are barely filled, thanks to the dry winter. A water shortage during the growing season is therefore likely.
Influence on the market
The early start has taken some of the pressure off. In concrete terms, however, it does not bring any relief to the processors. The weather will be decisive for this in the coming weeks. If it remains mainly cold, the lead gained is small. The April contract on the potato futures market closed on Thursday, February 28, at €29,60 per 100 kilos and subsequently recovered. Sun or rain and cold influence the course of the market, but not yet the practice.
The weather in the most important potato growing areas can be followed via a special page van Boerenbusiness. This shows that it has clearly warmed up in Western and Central Europe. Changeable weather is expected everywhere with lower temperatures. This increases the chance that the planting machines will not be able to work again until the second half of March.