The seed harvest is about to start and the first impressions are good. Seed potato companies expect a reasonable yield and no major problems have yet been identified in sales either. There is, however, a fear of the follow-up check as a result of the very high lice pressure this year.
Although it is still too early to give an exact yield indication, seed potato companies and trading houses agree that the yield this season can be described as normal to reasonable. It is striking that the seed potatoes this season are clearly less coarse than in other years, which is partly because many growers did not want to grow above the seed size. It is estimated that more than 70% of the seed potatoes are currently 'in the field', although the harvesting has not yet really started anywhere.
Tension for follow-up
If we look at quality, there is generally positive news to report in that area. For example, there have been few problems with scab this year. And the fact that the weather was better this year at the important times also had a positive effect, because, according to seed potato trading houses, this allowed for better selection. There are some rumors here and there that the seed potatoes in North Holland are less well established than in other regions of the country, but that should not have any shocking consequences.
What does cause uncertainty is the upcoming follow-up check. As a result of the exceptionally high aphid pressure, there is a lot of tension among seed potato companies and trading houses regarding follow-up inspections. Earlier on NAK's field inspection already showed that the majority of seed potatoes were rejected due to viruses transmitted via aphids. The first samples will be taken this week and then we have to wait for the results. All in all, in terms of virus and infection, it will not be as dramatic as last year, but 'good' is certainly not the right word.
Leaves killing without Reglone
One point that caused quite a bit of unrest, especially before the start of the season, was the fact that haulm killing with Reglone has no longer been possible since this season. In practice, growers have proven to be inventive, according to the seed potato companies and trading houses. The only thing is (and this is expected to be reflected in the test harvesting) that it has been more difficult to estimate how much the plants will grow if other methods are used.
On the other hand, this year we are experiencing a season of warm and dry weather, which made it easier to kill the crops. It remains to be seen how the loss of 'Reglone' will turn out in a normal season. All in all, it seems like a storm in a teacup.
No major problems in sales yet
There has also been a big question mark over the sales of seed potatoes for a long time. And although that question mark has not yet completely disappeared, the market is positive. This is because some large early markets, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, simply demand product. Other destinations in Africa and the Middle East also need Dutch seed potatoes. After all, the food supply in these areas must be and remain in order. No major changes in demand are therefore expected from these regions.
A country that exudes more uncertainty is Cuba. The inspectors usually come from that country to the Netherlands to assess seed potatoes here. This is currently not possible due to entry restrictions due to the coronavirus. It is and remains a challenge for seed potato companies and trading houses to find a suitable solution for this. But, it does not yet lead to shortness of breath.