"The Netherlands' potato acreage grew by three to four percent last year. That in itself, though, says nothing about the harvest volume," is Adrie Kleinjan of the potato trading company of the same name's comment, in early August, about harvest expectations. The various planting dates and the inability to fully utilize plots create uncertainty and tension in the potato market.
The high Phytophthora pressure is another major issue this season. The humid, hot weather in July caused this fungal disease to proliferate. And not being able to use several crop protection products made it harder for growers to control it. Some could not, making the situation even more challenging. The drier weather in August has, fortunately, somewhat reduced the pressure.
For growers, controlling this disease is crucial; if it is not, yields can plummet. Adrie stresses that although these conditions could make potatoes expensive, that will not benefit growers with unhealthy crops. They are, therefore, determined to keep a lid on Phytophthora and their crops healthy.
Kleinjan's Aardappelhandel began trading new potatoes on the Dutch market in early July, and the export one later that month. The new potato market got off to a pricey start, partly due to the previous season ending on high prices. However, the vacation period dampened demand in mid-July, and where the industry and export parties usually pick up after that, that remains lacking this season.
The abundant overseas supply is constraining the export market from countries like China, Egypt, and Morocco, and there was very little demand for Dutch potatoes in early August. The export market remains difficult despite brisk growth in recent weeks, which compensated for the growth gap and brought prices down. Kleinjan notes that prices have been too high, which suppresses export volumes.
This Dutch company currently exports fairly stable volumes to destinations further away such as Africa and the Caribbean region. Adrie explains that export destinations change, and predicting where the potatoes will go is difficult. Factors like the number of hours of sun in the different areas significantly impact these dynamics. For example, he says, next year, Dutch potatoes might go to hot areas such as the East and South, where because of the heat, potatoes no longer grow.
Despite all these challenges, Adrie sees improvement potential, depending on the weather in August. He stresses the importance of sufficient supply and a good relationship with growers and customers. That contributes to potato acreage's continuity and expansion. Kleinjan's Aardappelhandel is always looking for good growers to further grow that acreage.
Kleinjan's aardappelhandel
Zuidoordseweg 6
3267 LW Goudswaard
Tel.: +31 (0)186 692900
[email protected]
www.kleinjansaardappelhandel.nl