Jaap Kodde (Flevostar Dronten):
"Netherlands: "Good potatoes get good prices until the end of the season"
The potato trader isn't bothered by the first import potatoes. "We actually have the impression that the Netherlands can continue their own product for longer than in the last few years. This year, the potato acreage in the Mediterranean, such as Italy, Spain and Egypt was smaller as well, and in some countries, like Israel, there is demand at the moment."
"We are entering a different era for potato cultivation and we will notice that in Western Europe," continues Jaap. "Prices were high this year as well for other crops, such as corn and sugar beets, but the cost price is much lower. Therefore, I expect a shift to different crops in the next few years. The potato price is good now, but we have no certainty it will be the same again next year. The price of seedlings is at a high level too."
The price of export potatoes is currently between 17 and 22 cents, depending on the quality. The market is largely dependent on the weather for its development in the coming weeks, according to Jaap. "The market for table potatoes in the Netherlands has been fairly stable for a while, but it is interesting whether they are able to plant on Tholen, in Germany and the United Kingdom. It depends on how the market will develop, but I have no doubt that quality potatoes will remain expensive until the end of the season."
For more information:
Jaap Kodde
Flevostar Dronten
Tel; 0031 321 336272
Fax: 0031 321 336357
www.flevostar.nl
