Never before has the acreage of potatoes in Spain been so small as in 2021. This results in the smallest harvest since 2018. Fewer late potatoes have been harvested in particular for storage in the north of Spain. What does this mean for the demand for potatoes and can the Netherlands benefit from this?
The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture has published preliminary figures for the potato harvest in the country. This is 3,5% below 2020, making it the smallest since 2018. It concerns 2 million tons of potatoes. The area of 65.550 hectares has never been so low before. Seven years ago, more than 75.000 hectares of potatoes were grown in Spain.
Fewer storage potatoes
In addition to the shrunken area (-4%), the average hectare yield is also at a slightly lower level. The late harvest for storage scores at least better than last year, but below average. The early potatoes in particular have done better. The production of this has also shrunk this season. The storage harvest represents a shrinkage of 8% in area.
According to government figures, the late harvest in Northern Spain amounts to a volume of more than 620.000 tons. That is 7,5% less than last year. At that time, more than 670.000 tons were harvested. Potato growers have harvested fewer tonnes, especially in Andalusia. The largest growing area – Castile and León – shows a decrease of 2,5%.
Export Opportunities
A smaller potato harvest in the country offers opportunities for the export of Dutch products. The Agria in particular is popular for the production of fresh fries. That market collapsed completely in 2020. The reason is obvious: corona. Spain is highly dependent on tourism. This sector was able to operate properly again in 2021. The main focus of exports is between February and April. Hardly any exports have taken place in recent months. More than 2021 tons were exported in April 2.500. Prices in Spain were 6% above last year in the past quarter.
The export market, especially for Agria, has an extra challenge this season. Quality is an issue, especially because of hollow tubers in this variety. The question is how these potatoes will hold up in storage. It is known from Agria that hollow tubers can leak and thus form 'water bags'. A leaking tuber can create nests of rotten tubers in storage. Good parties are required, especially in the longer term. Because of these issues, the price of Agria is rising.
Portugal
Neighboring country Portugal has had a good potato harvest, which is 5% larger than last year. 386.000 tons were harvested compared to 369.000 tons last year. This country is a smaller player for Dutch exporters. Yet in good months - such as at the beginning of this year - around 1.500 tons of potatoes are exported there.