The South American countries, traditionally self-sufficient in potato production, have encountered market instability due to fluctuating prices, recently on an upward trend. The reversal of Pacific Ocean currents, introducing the El Niño phenomenon, has disrupted weather patterns across the continent. This shift resulted in increased rainfall in southern regions and drier conditions near the equator, diverging from the previous years of La Niña influence.
In Brazil, unprecedented floods in Rio Grande do Sul led to significant losses, affecting both lives and the agricultural sector, with potato prices remaining high throughout the year. Argentina faced one of its coldest winters in six decades, causing severe frost damage to crops in the southeast of Buenos Aires, which in turn, led to rising potato prices. Uruguay, caught between the climatic extremes of its neighbors, experienced both heavy rains and frosts, delaying harvests and reducing seed availability, causing prices to spike. Conversely, Chile saw a rare dip in local supply, prompting imports from other American countries. Peru and Bolivia were hit by frosts, hailstorms, and snowfalls, devastating their crops early in the season. Colombia's potato planting was delayed by over two months, resulting in a 60% price increase.
This year's climatic conditions have led to a notable impact on potato supply and prices across South America, raising questions about the establishment of a new price floor for the region's potato market.
Source: potatopro.com