POC receives half a million for research

De subsidy falls within the heading 'Working together on green economic recovery' of RVO and LNV. 100% of the requested amount has been allocated for the submitted projects. It should be noted that the advocate must engage expensive recognized institutes to implement the projects, the POC reports in its newsletter. This is partly the reason why the full budget has been allocated.

Delivery clause
The POC welcomes the fact that the contract prices have increased towards cost price level, but remains critical of market developments. It news the fact that a bowl of fries becomes more expensive due to a higher potato price went down the wrong way. There is a need for more free market forces, hopefully resulting in better free market prices. The organization therefore points out that growers must be alert and not tolerate a delivery clause in the contract. This would result in 20% more free potatoes coming onto the market. Based on 3,6 million tons of consumption potatoes, you are talking about 720.000 tons.

A contract tool – which was created last year – should help growers determine the best contract price for their company. The tool also falls within the subsidy, which means it can be improved. This year the tool will be expanded to include Belgian contracts and seed potato prices. The new contract tool should be available to POC members this week.

Cost calculator
In addition, there is the well-known cost price calculator that the NAV has been putting together for years with a consultancy firm. The POC sees this calculation as a good average for the Dutch potato grower, which usually shows a more realistic picture than what growers themselves calculate. The aim is to develop a new calculator for consumption potatoes together with NAV, the consultancy firm, banks and accountants. Subsidy money is also available for this. The idea is that growers can anonymously provide data to improve the calculator.