The Polish potato harvest turned out even lower than previous estimates. This is according to figures from the Polish Statistical Service. The 2019 harvest has thus fallen to the record low yield of 2016.
The harvest amounts to 6,5 million tons. That is 250.000 tons lower than the previous estimate. That estimate was also extremely low after the catastrophically dry and hot growing season. With these new figures, the 2019 harvest is 13% lower than the 2018 harvest. While 2018 was also a dramatic year for Polish potato growers. In addition to the low yield, the quality of the potatoes is also worse than the 2018 harvest. A large proportion are small and deformed. Processors therefore have problems.
Processors in trouble
Chip and french fries processors are dealing with shortages, especially in southern Poland. Insiders expect that later contract deliveries will be purchased early. Imports are expected to increase sharply after this. The demand for high-quality table potatoes will also increase in the near future. During this period, even lower quality table potatoes are purchased, while considerable imports are already underway from Germany and the Netherlands.
Polish growers who grow under contract are having a hard time. Not only because of the extreme situation, but also because contract prices have only increased by approximately 10% compared to last year. However, costs also increase sharply due to extra irrigation and the ban on Reglone and CIPC.