The price level of early carrots is outstanding this year. "Normally, you see prices drop cent-by-cent every week at the start of the season. Currently, the market is good and stable. Farmers are getting around EUR0,24-EUR0,25 for field crops. That is very high", says Paul van der Linde of the Dutch potato and carrot trading company of the same name.
"These high prices mean the overseas export market is very quiet. Other than that, sales are going well. The early carrot yields are a bit on the low side. However, the available supply is selling well to supermarkets and wholesalers in Europe. Since there is such a limited supply, the washed carrots are under no pressure", says Paul. "Considerably less was harvested in Northern Germany, England, and Scandinavia as well."
In contrast, storage carrot harvests are looking good. "The rains came too late for, especially, potatoes and onions. However, for storage carrots, September and October are the most important growth months. These carrots have the same growth pattern as cabbage. The yields will be good from, particularly, the Polders and Groningen. In Zeeland, the yields are lower, however. This is due to the limited use of irrigation", says Paul. Looking forward to the next carrot season, the trader concludes: "The prices will be good. Expectations may, however, be too high."
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Paul van der Linde
Paul van der Linde