It has been drier in England over the past 2 weeks, so that potatoes can be harvested again in some places. At the same time, the market is somewhat calmer. What is the situation on the potato market in England now?
Photos are circulating of potato harvesters in England working on the harvest again. However, according to experts, this is quite pointless, because the quality of the potatoes that are still being harvested is very poor.
The potato market in England has entered calmer waters over the past 2 weeks. No price was recorded for free potatoes last week, simply because there was too little trade. However, an average price was recorded for both free and contracted potatoes. That price came to £179.80 per tonne, an increase of £2.96 compared to December 14.
Less trade
One of the causes of the price increase is that fewer potatoes of moderate quality have been included in the quotation due to lower trade. As a result, the price is based on the better quality potatoes than in previous weeks.
The price of free potatoes is now almost £200 per tonne, while significantly higher prices are paid for good quality and scarce varieties. The market is calm because processors are currently mainly using potatoes that they have under contract.
Problems with supply in the north
Only in the north of England does McCain have problems maintaining the potato supply. A relatively large portion of the potatoes could not be harvested there. AHDB estimates that 5,5% of the 5,1 million tonnes of ware potatoes are still in the ground. As a result, more is being imported from the Netherlands, but especially Belgium.
However, the drier weather is already playing a role in the market for next season. The soil is now so soaked and compacted that the prospects for the new season are not very favorable. December 2019 was the wettest December since 2000. Drier weather in the coming period could improve this.