"The prices will probably go down a bit more over the next few weeks, but I expect a very healthy market. When it becomes clearer that the harvest will be lower, the farmers will be less willing to sell. The growers are in a different situation than they used to be. Most growers made good money last year, Onions are expensive and farmers don't necessarily have to sell for financial reasons. When the period ends, I wouldn't rule out the price picking up a little."
Bas estimates that the harvest per hectare is around ten percent lower than last year, and the multiple year average. "April and May were too cold, June was reasonable, July was too hot and August was too dry. This all has consequences," says the trader. "There has been a few percent of area extension, but the harvest will probably be around 5% lower than last season in the end. The weather is becoming increasingly extreme. We have had below average rainfall since around mid June and it has to be harvested some time."
"For now, the quality of the potatoes is great, as it usually is in a dry year. During a wet year there are more problems with Phytophtora and rot. Besides the amounts being a little disappointing, the potatoes look good at the moment," concludes Bas. "Due to the drastic weather conditions in Germany it is mainly the solid cooking table potatoes that are in demand."
"For now, the quality of the potatoes is great, as it usually is in a dry year. During a wet year there are more problems with Phytophtora and rot. Besides the amounts being a little disappointing, the potatoes look good at the moment," concludes Bas. "Due to the drastic weather conditions in Germany it is mainly the solid cooking table potatoes that are in demand."
For more information:
Verhagen BV
Havenweg 47
4671 BT Dinteloord
Tel: 0167-526000
[email protected]
www.verhagen-dinteloord.nl
