Argentina: Good prospects for the semi-early potato

The yields of the winter crops were not as good as expected because of different factors that affected the productivity, such as the short length of the days which were mostly cloudy and had little solar incidence. Unfortunately, producers not only have small yields but they are also being paid low prices.

Fortunately, the summer harvest is coming along just right. The days are warm and the nights are pleasant. The cloudy days lower the temperatures so the plants are in constantly producing tubers, which will improve yields and productivity per hectare.

"At the end, we were unable to export; except a little to Uruguay, but then the quotas were not sent there. The Senasa did not reach an agreement with the Chilean SAC for Cordoba to export to the neighbouring country. Time passed and we were unable to place our winter crop, which is our main export, despite having many requests."

Present market and future outlook
"Tucuman is entering the market at the moment. They had a normal harvest, but they were affected by a fungus so they're in a hurry to get rid of their potatoes. If the prices continue as they're now between $90 and $100 in Buenos Aires or $75, 80, 85 here in the area, we'll be able to end the year on a relatively positive balance, somehow balancing the bad winter season we had."

Source: Argenpapa / elproductor.com