Most European countries are experiencing a shortage of potatoes due to the cool spring and dry summer, the effects of the rise in the price of nitrogen fertilizers last year, and the low profitability of potato growing in previous years, Agrotimes reports.
Extreme weather conditions shook the European potato industry. Last year was actually the second warmest year on record in Europe.
European prices for potatoes for processing reached record levels, as increased competition from processors for a limited amount of non-contracted (free) stocks pushed physical prices up. The Mintec benchmark prices for Dutch processing potatoes on April 18 were estimated at 330.00 euros/t, the highest value since the price series began in 2014.
Netherlands
In particular, in the Netherlands, it is predicted that due to prolonged dry periods during the season, the yield will be lower than the poor harvest of 2018.
Belgium
In Belgium, which also suffered from difficult conditions in the spring and heat in the summer, they hope that potatoes will somehow grow by October. However, they are not counting on a maximum harvest.
In the north of Germany, potato prices remain very high and there is an increased demand for large caliber tubers.
France
The French market continues to suffer from the consequences of the production deficit in 2022. Despite the fact that all the acreage in France is now operational, demand still exceeds supply, the market is tense, and prices are not falling. The French market is experiencing an unprecedented situation this summer, with Spanish potatoes being imported to meet the needs of the processing sector, which has developed well in recent years.
UK
The new potato season started a few weeks ago in the UK and the new crop is looking good. “The early potatoes suffered from the drought earlier in the year, but now we are getting some rain and the late potatoes will be good. Yields are very variable now, we are only a few weeks away from harvest, and some areas are doing well and others not so much,” the British producer said.
Italy
In Italy, excellent quality and low yields lead to high prices. Potato production in Emilia-Romagna, one of the main growing regions in Italy, fell by 25-30%. This has led to a significant increase in prices in the face of constant demand. Farmers sell potatoes at a price of 0.50 euros/kg, while the selling price from the wholesale warehouse is 1.15 euros/kg.
Spain
In addition, there is a shortage of products on the Spanish market. Reduced yields due to drought and weather conditions have raised prices to 0.70 euros/kg.