Despite a difficult start with heavy rain and late planting, the Q-Potato seed potato pool's sales season for the 2024 harvest was surprisingly positive. Most potatoes sold for high prices, with top prices for export varieties.
For seed potatoes from the 2024 harvest, Q-Potato is paying €28 per 55 kilos for Agria A/S 75,77/100 and €28 per 55 kilos for Spunta A/S 72,77/100. This year, Q-Potato is again basing payments on scab scale 1-1,5; lots with scab scale 2-2,5 are adjusted by €2 (Agria) or €3 (Desiree, Monalisa, and Spunta) per 100 kilos. Over 92% of the pooled lots met the highest quality standard.
Seed potato exports significantly increased
Exports to Algeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia were significantly higher this season than last year. The strong demand for Dutch seed potatoes is due to the good prices in the 2023/24 season and a strong consumer market in those countries. In Algeria, the imposition of an import ban on French seed potatoes also played a role. This was prompted by French support for a Moroccan plan for the administration of Western Sahara. In response, Algeria halted virtually all imports of French products, including seed potatoes. Total exports of Dutch seed potatoes increased by 13% this season compared to last year. The NAK certification figure also reached a historic high of 1,1 million tons, 10% above that of the 2023 harvest.
Cautious optimism for the new seed potato season
Sentiment in consumer markets is more subdued for the coming season. Good yields and larger cultivation areas in countries like Egypt and Morocco are driving down prices. Importers are cautious after a difficult season. At the same time, the European seed potato acreage has grown by 7%, particularly in industrial varieties. Spunta remains popular, with an increase of 384 hectares. Positive signals from countries like Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya raise hopes for the new season.