Things are not going smoothly for the time being with the seed potato harvest, which is experiencing a false start, partly due to the current summer weather. It was already clear that the yields are below the long-term average, but this has now been confirmed. As far as overseas exports are concerned, the mood so far has been less than we have been used to in recent years.
Due to the late spring, the seed potato harvest started a little later than in other years, but even now the pace is not yet there. Gradually the first potatoes have rolled over the harvesting mat, but due to the high temperature, most harvesting machines have stopped again. In addition, the outside of the potato spine dries out quickly and many clods are dug up, which causes damage.
Although the first days of September have passed and foliage destruction for several plots has already taken place some time ago, in general many old poters (mother tubers) can still be found. This also prevents some seed potato growers from starting the harvest. It is not surprising considering that many potatoes went into the ground late this spring, but the rotting process seems to be slower this season than in other years, according to the opinion from the field.
Yields
Now that more samples have been taken in the field, something can also be said about the yield. Gerard Backx, Director of seed potato trading house Royal-HZPC, indicates that making a clear estimate is difficult. "This year's yield is lower than we are used to, especially after last year when we achieved very good yields. In general, plots have low, moderate tuber formation, but the spread is large and very dependent on variety and plot. We also see plots with very good tuber formation and good yields, but there are not many of them. On average we will end up lower than the long-term average, that is a fact."
The moderate tuber number this season is due to various factors. Opinions also vary as to whether potatoes planted early or late ultimately produce a better yield. At seed potato trading house Agrico they also see significantly lower yields than in previous years. "We see that the seed potato yields are very variable this season. The quantity is generally low, but in some areas growers have had rain at the right time," says Jan van Hoogen, director of Agrico. But he also sees that the later varieties have benefited from the precipitation that fell from the end of June. "In the beginning it all seemed very bad, mediocre growth and the number of tubers was low. But certainly the later varieties compensate partly and also have more tubers on a plant. This is also reflected in consumer cultivation, where growth is considerable. added."
What is also striking is that growers have left the potatoes for a little longer, Van Hoogen indicates. "We also see that growers have allowed the potatoes to grow a little longer. That makes sense given the knowledge of the consumer market at the time. It was of course a madhouse at the beginning of July with the higher prices."
Overseas mood less than in recent years
Regarding sales for this season, some things are already known. Due to the disappointing yields, but also due to the shrinkage of area in both Europe and the Netherlands, there will be less to export. Van Hoogen indicates that the chip industry is crying out for potatoes, but there is not enough seed potatoes for this in the coming season. In addition, Europe is in good shape and a good balance has often been achieved due to the higher potato prices. A high demand for seed potatoes is expected.
Overseas the mood looks less good. The export of seed potatoes has been very good in recent years, but this year it will probably be a smaller volume. Backx indicates that the payment options of some countries may be a problem due to political circumstances. In addition, less has been earned in various countries and inflation also plays a major role. That makes the mood for overseas exports this season somewhat less than in previous years.