Potato prices drop back to normal level

Most of the potatoes are still growing. According to Bart Nemegheer from the 'Aardappelhoeve', they were spared, in terms of how much rain they received, in comparison with the Netherlands, "In the Netherlands the situation is worse. Many fields were flooded by the rain. What is going to happen to the potatoes? The damage will become clear when they are out of the ground."

Prices reach normal level

Bart says that the market situation is still fairly quiet, "Supply and demand are in balance. I do not export, but I have heard that there is interest from other countries. Prices have fallen back to a normal level. Industrial potatoes are going for 125 to 150 Euro per ton. The waxy potatoes are slightly more expensive. This has to do with the fact that many French growers switched from waxy potatoes to industrial potatoes. This year they wanted to have permanent contracts with fixed prices in advance." Bart says that the share of potatoes will be lower this year, "There will also be less due to the drought. I do see opportunities for good prices."

The real volume is yet to come, "The industry is taking its time. Everything has been pushed back. The old harvest has been completely 'reprocessed'. They are still busy with the early potatoes. Varieties like 'Bintje' will arrive soon. The potatoes have grown a bit more in the last few weeks due to the rain. The consequences of the excessive rain in the Netherlands has yet to be seen."

For more information:
Bart Nemegheer
De Aardappelhoeve
Putterijstraat 7A
8700 Tielt - België
T: +32-477 291784
F: +32- 514 09501
www.deaardappelhoeve.be
bart@deaardappelhoeve.be