The Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture has reported that the good market supply is leading to further reductions in producer prices in the table potato sector. Especially in surplus areas, there is considerable market pressure. With the end of the holidays this week, it is hoped that demand will pick up in the trade and in farm-gate sales. In some areas, there are quality problems due to heavy wetness. Food retailers are advertising offer prices from €0.40/kg.
Hesse: Sufficient marketable goods
With continued quiet demand and extensive supply, potato prices have again been reduced, according to a report from the State Office for Agriculture in Hesse. Premiums can be obtained for lots in defect-free quality. Despite weather-related interruptions in grubbing operations, sufficient marketable goods are available. Harvesting is expected to resume in the course of the week. Demand from the food service industry remains weak - in part still due to the holidays. As a result, sales at GH level remain equally disappointing. Repeated sales promotions in food retailing are intended to stimulate demand.
Lower Saxony: slow market
The early potato varieties were slowly coming to an end. Potatoes with firm skins were not yet available in all regions, according to the Lower Saxony Farmers' Association. The market was generally quiet, partly due to the vacation season.
Schleswig-Holstein: manageable demand
The manageable demand for potatoes can be met by the quantities offered. Rain-free days brighten the mood of farmers. Roding conditions are considered to be good. Thus, the supply will continue to increase.
However, demand from the food service industry and commercial kitchens remains at a reduced level. Consumers are asking for regional produce via weekly markets and direct marketing, which is flowing well. The food retailers sell mainly German potatoes, and to a large extent also Schleswig-Holstein potatoes. With the low temperatures of recent times, sales have been good. Due to the perceived summer temperatures this week, this could change somewhat. Occasionally, there are sales promotions within retail, which should boost sales.
At Lower Saxony's potato days, the prevailing opinion was that at least an average harvest can be achieved. On the part of the EU Commission, this year's potato harvest for Germany is estimated to be almost at last year's level of 11.7 million tons. This was a message from the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Agriculture.