"We usually get the first Malta potatoes around this time. But, this year, that will be slightly later and in smaller quantities," says the Dutch company, Altena Potatoes' Kees Schouten. He visited his supplier in Malta last week. "It's been quite cold there, so volumes will be considerably lower than in previous years. We should be able to very carefully start the season just before Easter."
Kees says the Dutch potato market is developing quite stably. "Prices are fixed, and we're currently selling a lot of Agrias. There's enough demand, but it's a difficult season, quality-wise. It's hard to find good lots. France is asking less than other years, but Spain is remarkably well-represented on the market."
The situation in Ukraine will prompt more growers to switch to grain cultivation. Last week, the North-Western European Potato Growers Association reported that some of the acreage initially intended for potato cultivation is now being sown with spring cereals or corn. And in France and Germany, also sunflowers. "Malta, too, is growing more grain. Many Dutch farmers have already bought their seed potatoes, but late growers will probably also make the switch. That could benefit prices, but not us," Kees concludes.
For more information:
Kees Schouten
Altena Potatoes
15 Veensesteeg
4264 KG, Veen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 653 127 488
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.altenapotatoes.com
