© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.com
The last two growing years in southern Spain were characterized by restrictions on the amount of irrigation water allowed by the state. As a result, the growing areas were mainly limited to fields with wells or groundwater or access to their own water basins, which in turn led to a significant reduction in the area available for growing. "Due to extensive rainfall in the past year, for example in February, at Easter and in the fall, amounting to around 600 liters, the water restrictions for early potato production were lifted in 2025 and areas comparable to those three years ago were cultivated again," reports Georg Kolmhofer (r), managing director of the Sesur company in Seville and specialized potato exporter.
"The cultivation of the classic Andalusian early potato took place in very good conditions. Until January 20, there was only a small amount of rain", Kolmhofer sums up. "This means that cultivation could be carried out as planned on most of the land. The remaining areas were then planted a month later (mid-to-late February). At the end of February and throughout the whole of March, we received a total of almost 500 liters of rain, which is why the producers were forced to treat the areas for late blight. Nevertheless, there were sometimes total crop failures in the fields that could not be sufficiently drained or were too close to the river bank/level."
© SESUR
Comprehensive clearing from week 19-20
After weeks of rain, there was a good week with low daytime and nighttime temperatures so that excess moisture could be absorbed, and no significant disease pressure occurred. Kolmhofer: "Although Seville was spared significant damage to early potato production, the plants suffered in some cases from rain and wind, and there was some visible damage from late blight. Furthermore, most fields only show a mediocre tuber set, but with surprisingly large calibers. However, it is not expected that there will be high yields per hectare, and we expect an early and scaled early potato harvest."
In calendar week 17, the first special programs with loose-skinned goods for export are expected, followed by area-wide harvests and deliveries to Germany from calendar weeks 19-20. "Due to the heavy rainfall and the associated soil compaction, last year's harvest was extremely difficult. Fortunately, demand was so high that even problem batches found buyers. So far, there is no sign of soil compaction like that this year. There will probably be a production gap of at least two to three weeks for the Spanish domestic market, as the subsequent areas could still not be cultivated due to the rain."
High value despite reduced export quota
Domestic sales have gained significantly in importance over the years: "The Spanish food retailing industry is striving for a year-round supply of domestic potatoes. This has led to the export rate falling from over 90 percent to its current level of 55 percent over the past 15 years. German food retailers, who have always been the most important export market for Spanish early potatoes, have also greatly reduced the quantities over time, which is due to both advanced storage technology and emerging potato exporting countries such as Egypt. Nevertheless, the Spanish early potato still has its place in the export business. Last year, for example, France made extensive use of Spanish produce, which is rather less often the case. Outside the German market, Spanish early potatoes are also highly valued in countries such as Belgium, Portugal, Scandinavia and Poland," concludes Kolmhofer.
For more information:
Georg Kolmhofer
SESUR Semilla y Exportación SLU
Mob: +34 647 625788
sesur@sesur.net
www.sesur.net