Potato planting in north-western Europe has largely been completed in Germany and France, but adverse weather has continued to delay progress in Belgium (where less than half the crop is in the ground) and the Netherlands in recent weeks.
According to reports citing the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), “In The Netherlands, planting progress was 75 to 80% at the end of last week but there has since been 20 to 80mm of rain in central areas.” Much of Ireland is also now fully planted, but heavy storms have also prevented activity in the south and south-east of the country.
The delayed planting season has reduced the availability of new season crops, meaning last year’s already tight supplies are in high demand. On 4 June price reporting service Mintec said its Benchmark Price for English White Potatoes was £680/tonne, more than 80 per cent higher than at the same time last year.
“Due to tight stocks, buyers face varied prices ranging from GBP650/mt to GBP730/mt for English white potatoes this week, with growers dictating terms in a seller’s market. Trading activity for Maris Piper potatoes remains limited in both England and Scotland,” said the firm’s Harry Campbell. “Market sources emphasise the tight supply and high demand dynamics, with an expectation that prices will remain high until the availability of new crop increases. The challenging planting conditions and constrained seed availability have significantly influenced market expectations, highlighting the volatility and uncertainty within the potato market.”
The planting situation in Europe has seen a 26.7 increase in prices compared to last month, with the Mintec Benchmark Price for Dutch Processing Potatoes hitting €475/tonne in May.
