The Association of Potato Producers in Northwest Europe (NEPG) expects the potato growing area in the five major potato countries to continue to grow, writes www.topagrar.com.
Under normal growing conditions, overproduction and enormous pressure on prices in this case are very likely.
Over the past five years, the area under cultivation of table potatoes in NEPG member countries, the UK, the Netherlands, France and Belgium has increased by nine percent to 563 hectares.
Despite growing demand from potato processors for more raw materials and increased exports, NEPG already sees this development as a risk.
However, farmers intend to grow potatoes, because alternative crops, such as sugar beets, are becoming less attractive.
In the Netherlands, there is also an increase in cultivated areas in sandy areas, as companies cease to livestock, which frees up fodder land.
Potato production costs rose last year. Due to difficult harvesting conditions, which led to additional drying costs for stored tubers and higher losses due to damage and decay, financial costs increased.
Next season, according to estimates by the Dutch agricultural association NAV, storage costs will increase by three euros per centner.
In addition, there are risks associated with climate change in the form of weather effects, as well as the spread of diseases and the emergence of new pests.
According to the NEPG, it is currently under the impression that the circumstances mentioned are not yet sufficiently taken into account in the contract prices for the 2020/21 season.
In anticipation of a further increase in space, buyers relaxed, rather than offering compensation for additional costs. Manufacturers have every reason to be afraid of surprises for the upcoming season.