With up to 800,000 tonnes of unlifted potatoes in Northern Europe, concerns are now growing for the availability and quality of seed crops.
The latest data from the Irish Farmers Union (IFA) suggests that between 700,000 and 800,000 tonnes of crop remain in the field, with ‘traders [reporting] widespread interest in imports of whites and reds from buyers looking to cover supply in April and May.’
Belgian potato organisation Belpoato.be also warned of dwindling supplies of seed potatoes. This is partly due to reduced production, with the EU’s top five producers (the Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium) collectively reducing production by 10,000 ha since 2022, to approximately 84,200 ha.
Average yields for the 2023 seed potato crop, coupled with high virus pressure and the persistent autumn and winter rain which prevented harvesting of significant areas, have all combined to reduce seed potato availability for the 2024 planting season.
In a statement, Belpotato.be warned that all sectors will see very high seed prices. It added that while growers in the processing and fresh sectors may ‘feel compelled to seek alternative seed sources beyond their traditional supply chains’ it is important that they adhere to ‘all prevailing rules and standards in the industry.’
It also warned of following regulations on the use of farm-saved seed and predicted high levels of seed cutting this year. ‘If this is not done correctly, there is a good chance that fungal, viral or bacterial diseases will spread quickly and widely, and in particular quarantine diseases,” said the organisation. ‘Recalibrating and cutting seed potatoes is always at the user’s own risk and expense. In accordance with the current regulations for the marketing of seed potatoes, all cut seed potatoes automatically lose their status as certified seed potatoes and all associated guarantees.’