News on Potato Stats, Trade, Prices from Europe

The Dutch potato sector used International Potato Day to highlight its role in global food security, innovation, and economic growth. Industry leaders and policymakers emphasized cooperation, sustainability, and support to maintain global leadership.

UK potato farmers face rising costs, weak prices, labour shortages and climate shocks after years of disruption. Profitability is under pressure, risking sector decline. Innovation, policy support and collaboration are key to future resilience.

Los productores advierten sobre una drástica reducción en la superficie cultivada, la pérdida del mercado europeo y la inclinación de algunos sectores por optar por la patata francesa almacenada.

Pese a la sobre oferta palpable en los mercados de consumo, los precios de los contratos futuros se disparan ante la incertidumbre por la guerra en el medio oriente y la ecuación de costos asociados.

After decades of negotiations, the agreement between the two blocs finally entered into force on May 1, creating a market worth more than USD 22 trillion.

In the Netherlands, the weak table potato market, fewer contracts and disappointing exports are putting pressure on the seed potato market. HZPC and Agrico describe the current situation as a market correction following exceptionally strong years.

Belpotato.be has issued a press release outlining key points of attention for potato growers when concluding delivery contracts, as the sector continues to face pressure from challenging market conditions.

Diversos factores, tanto económicos, productivos, como del orden del comercio internacional contribuyen a una recalibración del sector de la patata local.

Growers who can no longer sell their surplus potatoes anywhere now have the option to dump their potatoes on their fields via a raw material declaration. They can register via the website of Boerenbond, which obtained the declaration for all Flemish growers.

Zoetermeer - The Dutch Potato Organisation welcomes the National Potato Week initiative, organised by No Waste Army. Additional attention for potatoes fits with the sector's ambitions to stimulate consumption and reduce food waste.

Processing potato prices in Belgium have dropped to EUR 0 in , while maincrop potatoes fell to EUR 10 per tonne (USD 11) in March, driven by weak demand and ongoing oversupply in the industrial potato market.

Breeders Trust warns of rising online sales of uncertified seed potatoes via Facebook groups, where ware potatoes are sold for planting, raising concerns over regulation and plant breeders' rights.

The European potato market is facing a significant surplus that is putting pressure on prices, weakening demand, and forcing strategic adjustments amid growing stocks and the arrival of the new harvest.

Belgian potato groups launched a campaign to tackle large surpluses after high production and weak demand. On April 18, consumers can buy 5 kg for EUR 2 directly from growers, with half of proceeds donated to Food Banks.

Northwest Europe faces a potato oversupply after acreage expanded to over 600,000 ha, adding about 5 million tons since 2022. Jan van Hoogen says growers should reduce acreage and be patient for two years while the market finds balance.

La NEPG insta a reducir la superficie de cultivo de patata en el noroeste de Europa y a actuar con mayor coordinación entre productores e industria para evitar sobreoferta y garantizar la rentabilidad del sector.

Disminuye el precio de los contratos para la patata destinada a la industria, lo que probablemente se traducirá en una reducción de las hectáreas cultivadas.

Latest potato free-buy prices have fallen to less than half their level a year ago, with Potato Call quoting the best Maris Piper at GBP 180 per tonne compared with GBP 400 per tonne for similar potatoes last season.