Belpotato.be, the Belgian trade association for the potato sector, is surprised by the actions of buyers to reduce the previously contracted quantity of potatoes. According to them, this action is unacceptable. Compliance with the contracts and contract conditions is a priority for the organization.
Last week Clarebout Potatoes sent all its growers a message that it has decided to collectively reduce the quantity of French fries potatoes to be contracted by 10%. Belpotato speaks of several buyers, but does not mention any names. Clarebout mentions the expectation of an unbridled growth of the potato area as the main reason for this step.
Little respect
During Interpom 2024, at the end of November, the Belgian farmers' organizations and Belgapom signed a new version of the code of conduct for potato contracts. This was preceded by difficult negotiations. Belpotato is therefore very astonished that only three months later, these conditions are being tampered with again. A unilateral and unprecedented adjustment is completely unacceptable to them. "It shows little respect for the potato producers," the organization reports in a press release.
"Just before the planting season, you get a cold shower with the message that you can grow 10 to 20% fewer potatoes under contract," it continues. Belpotato therefore calls on buyers to show more respect and thus adhere to the previously agreed conditions. The trade association will also investigate how such a situation can be prevented in the future.
Proposal
In an explanation, Yves Capoen, purchasing director of Clarebout, previously stated Boerenbusiness know that reducing the contract volume falls within the rules of contracting. Growers can submit a proposal themselves, with the volume and varieties they want to grow. It is ultimately up to the processor to determine the final allocation.
Some sector parties also point to the disappointing export of potato products. Christophe Vermeulen, chairman of Belgapom, cannot confirm that the export of their members is disappointing, he tells news site Vilt.be. "The export growth is less strong than in previous years, but I do not know whether this affects the total export."