These weeks seed potato growers are busy determining the right haulm killing moment. For the vast majority of growers, it is a tough season in terms of selection. What can growers expect this season when it comes to the sales of seed potatoes?
The biggest challenge for seed potato growers this season was to maintain the maximum class possible for the seed potato plots indicated for the inspection. It was clear from the outset that the selection would be quite a challenge.
Rejections or reductions
Although the lice pressure has now decreased significantly, the after-effects in the form of primary are currently causing headaches. Rejection or reduction to a difficult-to-sell class is the order of the day and a disappointment with the end of the growing season in sight.
There are also concerns about the health of Dutch seed potatoes for next year. Insiders indicate that they are pleased that the NAK will be subjecting the seed potatoes to a complete follow-up inspection this year, in order to better safeguard the health of Dutch seed potatoes.
Dark clouds
The virus is not the only thing hanging like a dark cloud over the seed potato market. There are also wrinkles to be ironed out in the sales of seed potatoes. The closer to home, the bigger the fold, it seems. The export of seed potatoes to countries in North Africa and the Middle East does not appear to indicate significantly lower sales. Although the drop in oil prices has severely affected the countries in this region, the food supply for the population will still have to be maintained. No one is waiting for an Arab Spring 2.0.
Sales within Europe
Sales areas in Southern Europe may be somewhat reluctant to purchase seed potatoes, but they have certainly not disappeared from the market. Selling seed potatoes to Northern European countries is expected to be the most difficult. And that has everything to do with developments in the sales markets for fries. Processing industries are still struggling with the aftermath of corona and processing has not yet returned to pre-corona levels. The prices of chip potatoes have now fallen to dramatically low levels and there are no bright spots on the horizon.
Influence on chip area
Insiders assume that this will have consequences for the area of chip potatoes in the 2021-2022 season. In recent years, the growth and development of monopoly French fries varieties has mainly focused on the cultivation of French fries. That sector is in crisis due to corona heart hit and the recovery spans several seasons. It is not expected that seed potato trading companies will stunt with seed potato prices to get rid of their product. After all, in recent years the price of monopoly seed potatoes for French fries varieties has had little influence on the area of French fries potatoes to be planted.
Segments that have managed to distinguish themselves positively during corona times are the table potato market and the chips market. There is potential in the chips market in particular and there is still a challenge for seed potato distribution.