"As soon as there is more export, the potato price will go up further"

The potato export is developing calmly at the moment. "We are sending a reasonable amount to southern Europe and are exporting a lot more volume to Spain in recent year, but Africa is especially quiet. There aren't really enough potatoes going. The export went reasonably well in December, but it's much too calm at the moment," says Kees Schouten of Aardappelgroothandel Altena from Wijk en Aalburg.

The price level of the field crop is between 12 and 27 cents. "The factories are also quiet. They have a shortage of potatoes and are laying low so as not to make the prices rise too quickly. This is resulting in a tight market. As soon as there is more export, the prices will go up further," Kees expects. "They are speaking of a shortage in Eastern Europe, but the export isn't as such. But if the factories bite and eastern Europe and Africa enter the market, it could become fun. But you never know with potatoes."

The potato trader isn't dissatisfied with the quality. "What we buy is quite good despite the rain that fell in the autumn. It's a search for good Agria, but thankfully we can still find them. The farmers have been positive from the start. Especially now that a lot of farmers are making money with the onions, they have more patience with their potatoes and that doesn't make buying easier."

For more information:
Aardappelgroothandel Altena B.V.
Oude Kerkstraat 23
4261 BL Wijk en Aalburg
Tel: +31(0) 416 691241
Fax: +31(0) 416 692822
info@altena-bv.nl
www.altena-bv.nl