The potato planting has already kicked off in the earliest areas of the Spanish region of Castile-Leon and is set to continue until May, depending on the area. "Eventually, there have been no changes as regards the expected shortage of seed potatoes this year. Producers have had to adapt to the quantities, sizes, and in some cases, varieties available," says Juanjo Santamaría, from Agrico.
"The downside to this is that some producers have had to change their initial plans and plant varieties they hadn't considered before, but the upside is that this year there is going to be a massive trial of varieties in Europe, which some are already calling 'the big trial'."
"In a way, everything that seemed like a problem could turn into a great opportunity for the sector. Many catalogued varieties across Europe that were not previously planted will replace others and will have an opportunity to become staples."
"It's important to recall that new varieties entering the market is the result of extensive research. In addition to assessing the agronomic aspects of the new materials, their quality must be verified, but the commercial side is what ultimately determines their success."
"Thus, this year there will be chances to test all the varieties that appear promising in trials, but which have not yet had an opportunity to prove themselves, since they were pitted against varieties that are already well-established in the market."
"The demand for seed potatoes is strong, especially in the later regions"
Last year, the consumer potato sector showed great dynamism. Imports grew to record highs, mainly those from France, although purchases from Egypt also saw a significant increase, but the export of Spanish potatoes also grew, with prices that stood 47% above average. Following these results, the demand for seed potatoes and seeds has so far been strong in 2024, especially in the later regions," says Juanjo.
This has led to an expansion of the acreage of three Agrico varieties developed by the company for Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal and France). "We are talking about the Jolene, Levante and Twister; varieties for the consumer market with which some interesting things have already been achieved for about a year."
"The Jolene is a mid-late variety suitable for homemade frying. The Levante is also a mid-late variety; high-yielding and with resistance to leaf and tuber blight. The Twister is a mid-early variety, suitable for conventional and organic cultivation and also resistant to blight and with good yields."
"Our hopes are high. There's a lot of work behind each of these varieties and producers have made a significant commitment to them this year."
For more information:
Agrico España of Potatoes, SLU
Avda. Presidente Adolfo Suárez, 4
41011 Sevilla, Spain
[email protected]
www.agricopotatoes.com
