There is a lot of uncertainty about the export of seed potatoes within Europe. Sales are made more difficult by high transport costs and it is uncertain how much seed can be exported to Eastern Europe. In addition, there seems to be little extra demand this season.
After a good start in exports to Africa and a healthy volume within Europe, exports are not really going smoothly at the moment. Various seed potato trading houses in the Netherlands report this. The volume that has been sold is neatly collected. But the trading houses otherwise call it very quiet for this period of the year.
There are also still many seed potatoes on paper for export destinations in eastern Europe. However, the question is whether export to that region is possible. Transport costs are skyrocketing and tensions between Ukraine and Russia are not making things any easier for neighboring countries. The question is also whether deliveries can and may be made to Ukraine and Russia at all.
Considerable restraint
There is also reluctance in Southern Europe and our neighboring countries. The cost price increases apply everywhere and in the past two years, less has been earned in those countries due to the coronavirus. This makes it difficult for potato growers, reports Jeroen Kuin. He is export manager at Agroplant. "Investments are high and there are better price levels for other crops. That does not help to motivate growers to plant potatoes."
Those who have the choice to grow potatoes consider whether they really should do so. Most construction plans have already been completed, making this percentage marginal compared to the total. "But you miss a positive mood in seed potato exports," according to Gerard Backx, CEO of HZPC. "Extra demand for seed potatoes may disappear this season. In other years, for example, something can be ordered during the season. This creates a mood and that is probably missing this year."
Seed potato fries
Exports in Europe are also difficult at Agrico, although a lot has been sold. The export of French fries potatoes to surrounding countries has been going well so far, reports Jan van Hoogen, CEO of Agrico: "We deliver what we have sold in good order. We have multi-year contracts. So as far as French fries potatoes are concerned, things are going well. "