“I grow to sell, not to store”

With the recent high potato prices, caused by a disappointing harvest and a high demand from chip factories, speculating on a further price rise is attractive. Yet Ronald van de Wouw from the Dutch Wouw Agro isn’t interested in that. “I grow potatoes to sell them, not to store them.”

Ronald grows potatoes, onions, carrots and beetroot in Zeeland, the Netherlands. Potatoes make up the largest share by far. Drought and rain took its toll on the potato season last year. “We were mostly affected by the drought,” Ronald says. That resulted in a harvest that was 15 per cent smaller. “We had a good harvest, but fewer kilograms.”

When we talk to Ronald in January, potato prices are high because of the high demand from chips factories, a market Wouw Agro also serves. The complete potato harvest is sold to industry. “We have noticed that demand is good, but we grow to sell, and not to store. We sold the largest share of our harvest in November.” He has no regrets about not profiting from the higher prices. “I sell when I’m satisfied with the prices. Looking back might teach me something, but other than that, there’s not much point in it. The only one losing sleep over it is me,” according to the sober Dutchman. 

Previously, Wouw Agro grew multiple crops, but Ronald brought that number back down. “We consciously grow four crops, that’s also a way to spread the risks.” The onion season is extended as long as possible by growing both plant and seed onions. The carrot is sold directly from the field as much as possible. During the summer months, Wouw Agro also functions as storage and transfer facility for onion companies in the region. Additionally, the company invested in a washing machine for potatoes. That line has been operational for three years now.

“We wanted to offer added value to our customers,” Ronald explains. “When a customer orders 30 tonnes of potatoes, they should receive 30 tonnes of potatoes. Because we wash the potatoes, we no longer have the tare discussion.” Washing is not the most important thing, though, but the sorting table behind the washer drum. “Bad potatoes can be removed during washing, but in order to sort, you need a clean product.” The news that the farmer invested in the machine spread via word of mouth. “When you meet the delivery specifications and customers know you supply a good product, they’ll come back to you. It is important to always supply the same quality.”

Because the machine isn’t operational for the entire production week for the Wouw Agro products, the machine is also used for others. “The machine is for the use of our agricultural company, but when it’s not being used by us, we can use it for others.” The small company can quickly switch in that aspect. It’s not a problem for them to receive a telephone call in the afternoon asking if the washer can be used that very evening.

More information:
Wouw Agro
Ronald van de Wouw