The situation in the potato trade isn't looking great at the moment. "Until last week, the export was very good and many potatoes were sent overseas. Now some, mainly African countries, are closing the borders because they have their own product and that is not yet being absorbed by other countries", says Adrie Kleinjan from Kleinjan's Aardappelhandel.
"Everyone has enough of their own product, which, in my opinion, means that we will end up in a problematic market over the coming weeks," Adrie expects. "In other years the chip industry always bought free potatoes in the market, but that sales are now missing because of the whole Corona situation. Since there are no replacement markets now, it looks very worrying."
In addition, there are also many parties with germination problems. We have had a remedy for 70 years with a good effect with Chlorpropham, but that substance is now banned and other substances do not give the desired result. In addition, many potatoes were harvested in the autumn under wet, warm conditions. Many growers hoped to keep the potatoes dry in the shed, but now they have a big challenge to keep their potatoes germination-free. "
"There is a lot of supply of potatoes with germination and we can not trade them at the moment. All in all, the potato sector is currently in a very difficult place. It is impossible to get potatoes to consumers - who are not allowed to eat outside - without germination. Consumers simply do not accept table potatoes with germination on them. How this will continue, we do not know, but it looks very worrisome this year. "
"Prices have been under pressure since the summer. And let's face it, growers want the highest possible price for their product. If they are ready to sell for the market price, there is no sales. All in all a painful situation. I expect that next year there will be a lot less people willing to grow potatoes, while we also want to provide the world with potatoes again after Corona. Normally Christmas is always a pleasant time, but in many potato families it becomes this year a Christmas with the necessary headaches," Adrie concludes.
For more information:
Adrie Kleinjan
Kleinjan's Aardappelhandel BV
adrie@kleinjansaardappelhandel.nl
www.kleinjansaardappelhandel.nl