“The results of experimental grubbing up of Bintje and Fontane are dramatic this year,” says Jan van Luchene of Bruwier Potatoes. “It’s my 26th potato campaign, and I’ve never experienced a yield as low as this before. This is the fifth year in a row that we were hindered by the climate, but something always just saved the harvest before. Not this year. Quotes are around 25 euro now, and I don’t think we’ll get below that until June next year. Perhaps there will be some pressure on prices during the storing period in September and October, because when prices are this good, there will be more supply from parties with questionable storability.”
Jan van Luchene
Industry
Besides the low harvest, the weather also caused a lot of sprouting in fields. “A lot of people will have potatoes of which it’ll be doubtful whether they can be stored at all. I’m also worried about shortages in the long term. Needs are much bigger than in the past. Industry will also get into difficulty. I can’t imagine processors will have enough potatoes to last until next June. They’ll continue to operate, but not at their full capacity,” Jan says.
Two seasons ago, a lot of growers had poorer harvests as well, but alternatives could be found in Germany and Poland. “This season, that’s not an option. When I talk to my German colleagues, it’s just as bad over there. There won’t be any alternatives in Europe this year. If processors have to start looking for a solution, they might have to buy processed product. It’ll be difficult to find potatoes,” Jan concludes.
For more information:
Jan van Luchene
Bruwier Potatoes
Galgestraat 1A
B-8790 Waregem, Belgium
T +32 56 61 33 33