With over 150.000 tons, the seed potato plumping figures in November were better than last year. At that time, more than 143.000 tons were sealed, which is an increase of 6.337 tons (+4,4%). However, the more than 150.000 tons is not a record, because that is in the hands of 2013.
In 2013, more than 182.000 tons were plumbed. The multi-year average is 145.000 tons. The majority of the volume that has been plumbed so far is sold overseas; Central America, North Africa, the Middle East and the Far East in particular are the destinations served at this time of year. This is reflected in the trade in the interest in export varieties, with Spunta being the best-known variety.
De interest was mainly focused on class E. This is where the Netherlands has managed to distinguish itself in previous years. However, due to the virus problems, this proved difficult to implement. The follow-up inspection of this class took a lot of effort and the results were regularly a reason to request a re-inspection, in order to ultimately get the class E back.
A lot is at stake financially
There was a lot at stake financially, as the price difference between class E and A had not been covered by €10. The reductions stand at more than 36%, compared to 25% last year, 17% in 2017 and 8% in 2016. This means that the cultivation of seed potatoes will still be a challenge in the coming season. The trade in Spunta (E 28/55 and suitable for export) reached a peak of €63 per 100 kilos in November. That is higher than in recent years.
The trade in seed potatoes of the Bintje variety is also weak. Prices are slowly falling. There is, as our southern neighbors so eloquently put it, very little seed potato trade.
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.