In the German state of Lower Saxony people are now preparing winter stocks in the storage shelters. Warehouse sales started four weeks earlier than usual, reported the German Country People's press service. The reason is an historically small potato harvest. The entire German harvest volume has only reached 9.25 million tonnes which is under the 10 million limit. In Lower Saxony, which normally brings in half the Germany potato harvest, it is around 10% less than last year. This year around 100,000 hectares of potatoes have been grown.
As such a large part of the German potato harvest originates in Lower Saxony and other member states, European neighbours have also not faired so well with their own harvests, prices for growers are currently good. At the beginning of the delayed early potato season, prices were reaching 80 Euro per 100kg. Prices for consumer potatoes at the end of the harvest in October were 20 to 22 Euro per 100kg, thus 60% higher than last year.
On top of the actual potato prices, there is an allowance of five Euro per 100kg paid out when growers sell their stock for winter storage. This allowance should ensure a continuous market supply is guaranteed.