How PAT-Index misleads the free grower

There are not many free growers left who store for a long time (without an agreement for purchase by a processor). The ones you do encounter are trying to hold out in a market dominated by fixed-price contracts and a limited number of buyers.

Exciting to the end
Especially this year it will be exciting until the end. The record low yields and high prices reflect the high expectations. With 3 to 4 weeks to go season 2018/2019, the cards now seem to have been reshuffled.

Since last week, Belgian and Dutch processors have completed their business 99,99% and are confidently awaiting the transition to the first early potatoes. Starting next week, a number of processors will process potatoes from Bordeaux and then switch to potatoes of the Première variety from Germany and Belgium.

Early area growth
Despite the alleged seed potato shortage, the early acreage seems to have grown enormously, especially in Belgium. Despite the cold spring, they seem to be growing well under ideal conditions. The trade that is taking place now mainly concerns co-delivered kilos and potatoes for which agreements have already been made.

The potato processors report that they do not want to buy free potatoes and keep aloof from the growers who have free potatoes. If we look at transactions on the Potato Transactions Platform (PAT), prices are still traded between €30 and €31.

No question
However, there is no demand for free potatoes. The growers who are trying to sell their potatoes are currently having a rude awakening. Even for prices that are €5 lower than the PAT transactions, there are currently no buyers. A special situation in a special season.