Moderate spring makes the end of the season even more exciting

Whether or not to switch on time is determined by the growth development of the early potatoes. Processors have already been exposed to some risk in recent months spread, for example by taking up some 'potato poking' (growing potatoes) in the south-west of France. This is to make the transition to the new season even earlier.

The developments in the weather in recent weeks in almost all of Europe (including in the south-west of France) seem to have thrown a spanner in the works. Planting took place at a fairly normal time, but the weather was cold. Moreover, it is still very dry.

Irrigation as a solution
For many growers in early growing areas, drought can be resolved by irrigation, but the moderate temperatures result in lagging growth development. In Germany, growers recently escaped a minor disaster, as there were several nights of frost. Although this caused a growth arrest, it did not cause so much damage that plants were actually put back (for example, 3 weeks). It also remains on the chilly side around this period, which creates a challenge for the market.  

Limited buffer
In expensive years, chip processors prefer to start the season with a low stock, which means that the buffers will be limited in the coming period. This also supports the importance of the potatoes of the new harvest. Reverting to old potatoes, as happened last season during the transition period, is not an option. So we have to hope for a period of growth, or the chip lines will have to be shut down for a longer period of time and undergo major maintenance early.