Many questions, few answers. That is the sentiment that dominates the market for Spunta seed potatoes today. The committee in Middenmeer has only been able to put a listing on the boards three times and various trading houses report that there is far too much product. Does this mean that the acreage will decrease in the coming years?
The Spunta market is usually unsaturated, but that is not the case this season. As a result of the corona crisis, this market has also collapsed. Trading houses say that some product is still leaving here and there, for example, to Saudi Arabia, but this is absolutely not comparable to a 'normal' year. In previous years, for example, products were sometimes bought on the gamble, but the risks are simply too great this year.
Spunta is especially popular in the Middle East, Africa and Southern Europe. Many of those countries are also dependent on 'oil money'. Because the oil price was so low at the beginning of the year, there is less money to spend. For example, Egypt and Tunisia have already announced that they are not interested in Dutch Spunta seed potatoes and Algeria is still a big question mark. Trading houses say that it now depends on the market within Europe and that there is far too much product there. "A mountain of Spunta is still available, especially in the Netherlands and France," it sounds.
No listing
The fact that there is virtually no trading is also reflected in the quotations. To date, the committee in Middenmeer has only been able to put a quote on the board 3 times: €31 in weeks 42 and 43 and €23 in week 48. "In the free market, trading is 'too short'. And... without turnover we can we do not make a listing," Frans van Dam of the listing committee said when asked. "By the way, the fear factor also plays a role. If we have to quote lower every time, then abroad will also want to buy at a lower price. We must also try to prevent that."
Van Dam does not expect the situation in the Spunta market to change in the short term. "If I listen to the well-known export countries, they all no longer need seed potatoes or they don't have the money for it. There is also simply too much product in the Netherlands. Trading houses do not buy more, but top up from the pools. Listing is and therefore remains a difficult job in this market."
Should the area shrink?
Is reducing the area the only solution? The answers to that question vary. Some people look positively at a smaller area of seed potatoes. After all, after a few good years, many growers have had to deal with this season. According to these parties, it should also be kept in mind that buyers of Spunta seed potatoes have lost money due to the corona crisis. According to them, the question remains whether these buyers will be able to purchase the same quantities next year.
On the other hand, more positive voices can also be heard. For a number of other trading houses, for example, it cannot yet be said with certainty that next year will be another bad season. According to them, it 'all depends on how quickly the economy recovers and can return to normal levels'. In short: the market for Spunta seed potatoes is flooded with question marks and there are few answers left.