In contrast to many other potato pools, Schaap Holland from Biddinghuizen did not have to make a significant drop in volume. On the other hand, the quality was sometimes a challenge. In combination with crate storage and the PlanetProof certificate, a very high price level is achieved.
In addition to a pool with and without pre-sales, Schaap also has a pool with a bottom. The last pool scored in season 2017/2018 very good, but with the high price level, the first prize for 2018/2019 goes to the pool without pre-sales. Especially in combination with the increased compensation for storage in crates. This amounts to €1,50 per 100 kilos. For Maritiemas grown under the PlanetProof label, a surcharge of €3 per 100 kilos is paid in the packing size 40/65 millimeters.
Not an Innovator
The pool without pre-sales had no Innovators last season. "This pool closes on November 1, when all Innovators had been harvested and growers could get a good idea of their freely sold volume," explains director Hans Geling. "The market was already at a very high level at that time, so growers chose to sell their excess kilos at the daily price. In a year with a low market price, you notice that growers prefer to participate in the pool."
In the presale pool, Innovator comes in at €23,71 per 100 kilos, Agria at €25,05 and Maritiema at €23,64. In the pool with bottom, those results are slightly lower at €22,52, €23,80 and €22,46 for the 3 varieties respectively. The pool without presales amounts to €31,34 for Agria and €30,06 for Maritiema. All prices stated apply to delivery week 13, excluding VAT, quality premiums and surcharges. Schaap uses a size range from 40 millimeters. At Innovator this is 35 millimeters upwards. This includes 0% potato tare.
Irrigation has paid off
"Thanks to a positive export market, Agria is the top performer," Geling explains. "Including the crate fee, the result in week 13 amounts to €32,84 per 100 kilos. Pressure points occurred more often than we were used to, which caused challenges during export. Hence our constant focus on storage in crates. Something that continues to increase "Our growers, who are mainly located in Flevoland, can all irrigate. This has been done to the fullest extent. This has resulted in the net yield per hectare at Agria and especially Innovator being considerably higher, against all expectations."
There are also challenges with storage when the germination inhibitor CIPC (chlorpropham) is soon banned. Geling: "Depending on the storage period, variety and destination, more MH will be used in the future, followed by 1,4 Sight in storage. Ethylene is an option for specific table potato varieties, as is keeping these potatoes colder at 4 degrees. Because of the effect on the baking color, this is only possible in the table segment. The disappearance of CIPC results in a cost price that is €1,50 to €2 per 100 kilos higher. The alternatives are more expensive. The question is whether these costs are made up for in the market The question also arises as to what will happen to existing storage facilities that have been fumigated. Measurements show that residue is found. The vast majority of storage facilities for industrial varieties are affected by this."
Leaves killing is an issue
Foliage killing is also becoming a challenge for growers and processors, with the loss of diquat (Reglone). "Tests show that Reglone provides the best haulm killing. There are alternatives, but they work less well and also increase the cost price. We have not yet determined a definitive strategy for this."
In addition to his own peeling and packing company, Schaap has its own seed potato branch. Nevertheless, the company did notice a shortage in the availability of starting material, says Geling. "We have to purchase some varieties from other trading companies. That was not always easy. This results in the disappearance of some varieties. Especially in our own red-skinned segment, for which we have to buy additional potatoes on the market."
Growth in variety Aromata
This season the company is investing heavily in the Aromata variety, of which Schaap is represented worldwide. "This potato is suitable for the peeling company. Small sizes can be used in small packages and large sizes can be exported for French fries," says Geling. “We also call it the 'summer Agria'. It is a very pleasant multifunctional variety with ABCDE resistance and good tolerance. In Flevoland and Germany it is grown as an early potato. Because we control everything from seed potatoes to the end customer, synergy takes place within our company. The variety has been around for a few years but is now growing rapidly, based on the satisfaction of our customers."
"In terms of drought, it looks like 2019 will be a copy of 2018," Geling thinks. "The futures market currently feels a little weaker, however, we started the year with a significant rainfall deficit, in contrast to the year before. We see the effect in the seed potatoes, where the first plots are now being killed. It is also in the table varieties noticeable. The number is not that bad in Flevoland. The warm weather in June certainly has something to do with this. The crops are nice, but ultimately it is about what happens underground."
No gap between old and new harvest
"The weather in August and September determines the yield for the main harvest," Geling continues. "It is possible to have sufficient moisture in the polders, but what is it like elsewhere? Last season made that clear. Demand is clearly noticeable in the early potato market. All potatoes get a place. We have addressed the connection between the We have completed 2 seasons. In July the peeling and export operations are still running with the old harvest. The new harvest will follow in August with the Aromata variety."