Agrico is once again realising a higher payment price for seed potatoes. For harvest year 2024, a price of €58,00 per 100 kilos is expected for all delivered kilos, which means another increase compared to the previous season. In two seasons, the balance has increased by a third, according to the cooperative.
This higher price is due to the strong demand for seed potatoes, both from the export and the processing industry. The price of €58,00 per 100 kilos applies to autumn delivery, 28mm upwards and loose delivered ex-farm. The license costs have already been deducted from the amount. The price for other sizes and classes will be determined in June by the pool committee. Mark Zuidhof, general manager of Agrico, is pleased with this price increase: "We look back on an excellent sales season in which we have practically sold out of most varieties." A year ago, €43,20 per 100 kilos was announced as the average price for all delivered production, 28mm upwards.
Financial return and sales opportunities
Despite the slight decrease in the average yield per hectare, from 40.560 to 40.120 kilos in 2024, the year was characterized by good tuber setting, resulting in a fine product. The percentage of oversize decreased from 36% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. This contributed to an average financial yield per hectare of €23.370, an increase of 31% compared to 2023.
Seed potato sales went particularly well in 2024. Thanks to the fine size sorting, Agrico had 70.000 tons more seed potatoes to sell than in 2023. Early export and strong demand, both overseas and on the European market, ensured good prices. Agrico has noticed little of the cut in contract volumes. The French fry varieties also went smoothly to the industry this spring.
semagri
The Semagri varieties, which are aimed at the starch, flake and granulate segments, also performed satisfactorily. Agrico has adjusted its policy by selling more higher classes of these varieties, which has had a positive effect. The price for the Semagri varieties is estimated at €47,50 per 100 kilos this year for the autumn delivery of seed potatoes, with a size of 28 mm or coarser.