The seed potato export is very variable. Corona has struck hard in Africa and Asia. Cash for the import of seed potatoes is a problem in these countries. For example, the economy in both Algeria and Egypt is heavily dependent on oil and tourism, which is why there are no hard currencies. Last season's poor potato prices also play a role.
Many early destinations have placed the orders and trading houses report that export volumes this season are lagging or stable compared to the same period last year. In addition, prices are under pressure across the board and the differences between exporters are large. Insiders also foresee that results between the different varieties and sales markets will be greater than in previous years.
Jeroen Kuin, export manager at Agroplant, sees increasing interest in the monopoly varieties. "Everyone can grow free varieties, but by choosing a monopoly variety, a grower distinguishes himself from the crowd and added value can be created." The export is going well at Agroplant. Trade to North Africa and Asia is largely behind us. It remains to be seen what the demand in Southern Europe will do. "The situation per country is different, but the volume that has been exported so far is certainly not behind last year."
Question is left behind
The demand for seed potatoes in the Netherlands is lagging behind compared to last year. There is sufficient supply of seed potatoes, which means that there is no need to order early. Agreements for contract chips have so far been fulfilled. Manufacturers are still working on the sales forecast for the 2021/2022 season. However, it is not yet possible to make a statement about a change in the chip area. It is uncertain whether the lagging demand is the result of an ample supply of seed potatoes or whether the acreage used for chips potatoes will shrink.
Insiders expect the demand for specific table varieties to increase this season. Due to catering restrictions throughout Europe, sales of table potatoes increased. This trend is likely to continue in 2021. A small area expansion is expected at the expense of the chip area. However, here too, trade has yet to get going and it is too early to draw any conclusions.
Seed potato area does not grow
There will probably be no growth in the seed potato area in Europe in 2021. This breaks the trend of recent years. There is a lot of uncertainty in the market and that makes the trading houses cautious. It is expected that the seed potato acreage in Northwestern Europe in 2021 will be about the same or will shrink slightly compared to 2020. The final planning has not yet been made. Shifts are certainly conceivable in the current market conditions.
Growers continue to show interest in seed potato cultivation. Good returns have been achieved in recent years. A bad year is more common in this market and does not immediately deter growers. The current problems in the potato market are mainly caused by corona. The insiders therefore expect the prospects for the cultivation of seed potatoes to remain good in the medium term.