Save smart, earn more in 2025

The new storage season for table potatoes is now in full swing. After a growing season with relatively good yields, but also clear regional variations, growers are now focusing on the most energy-efficient and quality-oriented storage possible. Given current market conditions, it's more important than ever to align storage strategies with both technical and economic circumstances.

The storage costs of table potatoes vary considerably between companies. Factors such as the type of storage facility, the level of insulation, the presence of mechanical cooling, and the storage duration play a significant role. Therefore, it's difficult to quote an exact cost.

The Dutch Arable Farmers' Union (NAV) uses the guideline that storage costs for delivery in April (without mechanical cooling) amount to an average of approximately 17% of the total cost price. of French fries potatoes. These storage costs are structured as follows:

• 35% for sprout inhibitors
• 35% for depreciation, interest and storage facility maintenance
• 25% for energy (ventilation)
• 5% for sanding

This division makes it clear that saving on energy costs is useful, but that a good storage strategy and the use of sprout inhibitors have a major influence on the end result.

Smart ventilation is the key to energy savings
There are two ways to save on storage costs: spend less or ensure more remains at the end of storage. Smarter ventilation is especially helpful for the former. It's all about ventilating at the right time with the right air quality, so the indoor climate remains optimal with minimal energy consumption.

The modern climate computer can do this better than manually switching the fans on and off. After good wound healing – the basis for optimal storage – it's wise to use short ventilation periods with colder outside air and limited internal ventilation. This limits both energy consumption and weight loss.

Storage places where speed-controllable EC fans Installed units can ventilate during storage at, for example, 80% of the speed once the product has reached the desired temperature. This reduces power consumption by up to 50% compared to a traditional AC fan, without compromising product quality.

Another interesting development is the use of smart storage computers Linked to dynamic energy contracts (Epex). This automatically schedules ventilation and cooling when electricity prices are low or the weather is favorable. The difference between the setpoint and target temperatures is also taken into account. This allows for cost savings without compromising quality.

Tight temperature control saves more than electricity
Although energy accounts for only a quarter of total storage costs, even small improvements in this area can make a significant difference. But maintaining a consistent storage temperature is just as important. This keeps the batch more stable, reduces weight loss, and limits the use of additional sprout inhibitors. By keeping the product's temperature "close and level," dormancy is maintained longer and can potentially save on sprout inhibitor treatments. Three treatments instead of four can save 9% of total storage costs. This leaves more money in the end by reducing expenditures.

Good temperature control is often still possible in autumn and winter with outside air ventilation, but towards spring mechanical cooling increasingly important. Without refrigeration, the costs of weight loss and sprout inhibition will increase significantly.

Harvest quality: good, but with points for attention
Overall, the quality of the potatoes stored this year is good: high yields per kilogram and little rot. However, the underwater weight is high, making the tubers more susceptible to damage during harvesting and storage – especially in Belgium and the southwest of the country, where conditions were drier.

Damage, even minor ones, during harvest can lead to additional weight loss in storage. The advice is to dry otherwise healthy batches only as much as necessary and to ensure good wound healing. At 15 degrees Celsius, wound healing takes approximately three weeks, and at 12 degrees Celsius, it takes about thirty days. Good wound healing is the foundation for optimal storage. Varieties susceptible to rot must be thoroughly dried first to ensure the skin is dry.

Storage in the current potato market
Due to the low market price, some growers are choosing to (temporarily) store their potatoes. This is possible, but it often means that the storage conditions are not entirely optimal. Early potatoes or batches from less well-insulated sheds are often not suitable for long-term storage. "Getting rid of them in time is often the best advice." Those who are used to long-term storage would be wise not to change their strategy now. In an uncertain market, top quality remains the strongest weapon: defective batches are certainly difficult to sell in the current market.

Finally, it's unwise to skimp on ventilation. Insufficient air movement increases the risk of rot, CO₂ buildup, and quality loss. The trick isn't to ventilate less, but to ventilate more intelligently with good equipment and smart climate computers. Optimally optimizing your ventilation can save on electricity and sprout inhibitors, while keeping the potatoes in top condition until delivery.