The answer is uncertain, as the forecasts include positive and negative aspects. At the beginning of January, for example, there were 20% fewer seed potatoes than at the same time last year, which has raised fears among operators and farmers that they will not be able to meet all their commitments.
According to Yolanda Medina, president of the Patata de Castilla y León Inter-branch organization, this year there are fewer seed potatoes, but their caliber is larger than in other years. Producers in Castilla y Leon usually use a maximum caliber of 50 millimeters. This year, however, they are being offered calibers that range between 55 and 60 millimeters, and some can even go up to 65 mm. As a result, producers could resume the ancient practice of splitting the tuber before burying it.
Why are there fewer seeds?
Last year, high temperatures altered the tuberization process of potatoes in the main production areas, which affected the number of seeds produced. In addition, the area dedicated to seed potatoes had fallen by 6% compared to the previous year.
Moreover, the conditions created by the higher temperatures led to a greater proliferation of insects, which coincided with the EU ban on certain insecticides. As a result, numerous batches of seed potatoes have been rejected by inspectors who are required to certify potatoes for seed use.
Source: revistacampo.es