It briefly seemed that disappointing potato quality would be another factor the market would have to deal with this year. However, the situation isn't nearly as bad everywhere as previously thought. It is clear, however, that the tubers are quite germinating. So, it's important to stay vigilant.
This shouldn't downplay all the problems. Some growers are certainly struggling with a season of poorer quality. It was no coincidence that processor Farm Frites proposed a contract amendment that caused quite a stir, not only among growers but also among their representatives. Ultimately, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) intervened, after which growers now have until Christmas to agree to the proposal.
Dry harvesting
A (large) portion of the quality problems can be traced back to harvesting conditions. Harvesting took place under dry and harsh conditions, particularly in the south of the Netherlands and Belgium. On heavier soils, this certainly poses an increased risk of damage.
Where possible, we anticipated this by watering heavily, but in practice, it proved difficult. Too dry, too wet, uneven distribution, and so on. Nothing beats a sudden shower that unfortunately never materialized.
There are several theories circulating about the increased level of grubbing damage this year, aside from the high underwater weight. However, it's difficult to pinpoint the cause.
One suggestion is that the potato crop absorbed less potassium this year (due to drought), which has negatively impacted skin quality. Growers who were willing to wait until November are experiencing excellent harvest quality, even though the growing season for those crops was no different.
The presence of root damage has also led to bacterial rot in some areas. These usually involve small nests in the cell, but that requires more frequent turning than you'd like. All in all, not easy.
MH did work
This season, Viaverda is monitoring 16 Flemish warehouses where the Fontane variety is stored. These potatoes were harvested between late September and late October, under dry and warm conditions. All but one batch were treated with the sprout inhibitor MH. Residue measurements show that the product was well absorbed. This, too, goes somewhat against the prevailing belief, at least in the Netherlands. Even in Fontane, not usually the most germinating variety, sprouting was detected very early.
Viaverda also acknowledges that the effect of MH has been largely undetected so far. The researchers attribute this to several factors. First, the potatoes have had more growing days than, for example, last year. As a result, the tubers are physiologically older when they enter storage. In addition, there is stress during growth due to drought and high temperatures. Due to the warm weather around harvesting, the cooling process after harvest is often delayed. This is also unfavorable.
Harvesters still drive
Later harvesting has had a positive effect on germination when temperatures were lower. However, the risks of late harvesting usually outweigh the benefits. Before harvest, the industries collectively called for timely harvesting. However, due to the significantly delayed harvesting season, this wasn't always successful.
Even in mid-December! Potatoes are still being harvested. In the south, things are going well. In the (north)east, it's considerably wetter, but growers have usually chosen the high, dry plots to leave. Not all the produce comes out of the ground, though. Some growers leave their open areas and use cultivators or tillers there.
Those who prefer to clear the land, or who are forced to live on rented land, sometimes have to get creative. For example, mobile washing systems are used to wash the product immediately and make it suitable for animal feed. This product is then ensilaged in silos, as the corn and grass silos are already closed.
Potatoes are also sent for biodigestion, especially when their quality is poor. Even then, the product must be free of soil. This all entails costs that are not covered by the current market.
Good baking quality
Despite all the issues, the baking quality in the samples Viaverda took is excellent. Due to the high underwater weights, there is a significant risk of bruising, but that occurred in 5 of the 16 batches. Germination is occurring everywhere, but not yet a real problem. The warm weather, again this time, made it difficult to bring the batches to their target temperature. A brief cold snap eventually resolved the issue.
In October, the processing yield of Dutch factories was 54,8%, slightly above the five-year average of 53,4% and considered good. Based on the known quality figures, French fry producers should have sufficient potatoes of good quality. Issues such as those that arose after harvest 24 should not hinder the market in this regard.