The potato cooperative Agrico has announced the payment prices for seed and ware potatoes. Corona has had a major impact on sales for the second year in a row. The price has suffered less this year compared to last year.
The average price for seed potatoes across all sizes, class S to A, this season amounts to €31,10 per 100 kilos. That was €25,77 a year earlier. The pool price for table potatoes is €23,06 per 100 kilos. That is for delivery in week 9 and includes the PlanetProof premium. For the organic table potatoes, the cooperative paid €50,79 for delivery in week 9. Organic seed potatoes amount to €62,82 per 100 kilos.
With regard to seed potato sales, the sales volumes expected in advance were achieved at almost all destinations. Only Bangladesh has purchased less seed potatoes than expected. Those potatoes could be sold well on other markets. For the coming season, the sharply increased cultivation costs will be a major challenge for the growers. For exports, the costs for container transport have also risen sharply. Even before the start of the 2022 seed potato export season, this presents a considerable challenge. Nevertheless, Agrico is moderately positive. There is a threat of a shortage of grain and that offers export opportunities for seed potatoes.
Shrinkage in table market
Looking ahead to next season, Agrico expects the market for table potatoes in the retail sector to shrink further. For growers, the high quality requirements in combination with strict certification requirements pose an increasing risk to the cultivation. Due to rising contract prices in industrial cultivation, this cultivation is increasingly becoming an alternative to the cultivation of table potatoes. In contrast to last year, the current season for organic potatoes has a low phytophthora pressure and we are heading for good yields. In the organic segment, Agrico is committed to the Next Generation varieties for the French fries and crisps industry in addition to retail sales.