The seed potato trade is currently at a low ebb. In fact, this has been the case throughout the new season. The end of the old season was little cause for optimism for Bintje, while that feeling did not hold for Spunta.
The seed potato growers with free Spunta reason that €40 (based on last season's trade) was not a barrier. In short: that is what we should focus on this year. The (growing) season has now been underway for a few months, but there is hardly any new trade.
Follow-up
Many growers keep aloof from the market because they first want to know what they are doing the follow-up check hangs above your head. The discovery of primary viral illness causes restraint. The heat of the past week and a 'heavy' foliage package do not make it easy for selectors and inspectors to get a clear picture of the plots to be assessed.
The chance of reductions appears to be greater this season than in previous years. Anyone who is in the market for selling seed potatoes would like to negotiate a reservation clause. However, that is not attractive to most buyers, causing trade to come to a standstill. The fear of disappointment in the follow-up check seems justified (based on the reduction percentages released by the NAK). Up to and including week 31, the foliage of 20% of the total area had been destroyed.
This article is part of this week's published Trend report Arable farming Pro, which also focuses on the grain market, onion market and manure market. click here to read the Trend Report.