Table potatoes in Russia are on the rise due to concerns about availability. For example, there have been problems with the import of seed potatoes, as a result of which starting material was not available in all areas on time. Challenges are also expected during the harvest.
According to the Fruit-Inform website, the average potato price (wholesale) in Russia is now €21,50 per 100 kilos. A significant increase has been noticeable in the last 2 weeks. Prices of up to €25 per 100 kilos are now being paid. That is half of new potatoes from Egypt, which are now also being imported.
Seed potatoes delayed
Market insiders expect that more imports from Egypt will be necessary because Russia sees hiccups in domestic potato production. As a result of the corona crisis, the import of seed potatoes was delayed earlier in the season. Employees of the Russian inspection service Rosselkhoznadzor stayed at home, so potatoes did not cross the border without inspection and papers. These potatoes were reportedly imported later, but with some delays. Our own early harvest, from the south of Russia, is expected in the second half of June.
The Russian national potato organization expects a table potato harvest of around 7 million tons this year. This is a reduction of 400.000 tonnes compared to what was previously estimated. In order to have sufficient potatoes, the organization relies on home cultivation, which accounts for 2 million tons of potatoes in the country. In addition, 3 million tons of potatoes are grown for processing. Especially in the big cities, the consumption of fries and other potato products has dropped, but more table potatoes are being eaten.
Work
The potato organization foresees new problems with the harvest. Normally half a million guest workers are used for the potato harvest. Due to the corona crisis, it is questionable whether they can travel across the border and work in Russia.