(AMI) - The consumption of potato crops, excluding starch and seed potatoes, in France, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany adds up to 29.339 million tonnes in 2017, which is 17.2% more than the 5-year average. Lastly, the UK contributed earnings of 5.243 million tonnes, up 14.4% on the previous year. As a result of wet harvesting conditions coupled with very low potato prices, some growers have decided not to harvest the last problem lots. In addition, storage problems such as decay and difficult shelf life have been reported in all countries. NEPG puts the losses of non-harvested stocks and storage problems at 5%. Due to their low underwater weights, the processors also need more raw material for the production of a product unit. Low prices not only stimulate the export of consumer potatoes, but also create additional export opportunities for potato products.
ZMP Live Expert Opinion
The extent of potato production in the surplus regions of the EU is somewhat too large under average yield ratios, as is repeatedly pointed out. No one listens to the recommendation "Less is more". In the winter and spring of 2017, many processing potatoes were contractually secured. Who did that, is not bad, especially when the qualities are right. High yields also ensure that surpluses will deliver even more per hectare than initially planned. What remains to be done to get a satisfactory operating income from potato growing is to offer little to hold prices and to market surpluses at the end of the marketing year. But that will not work that way. Agriculture must continue to deal with a well-supplied market. Already with early processing raw material, the starch industry was approached for the offer clearance. Then also for table potatoes, which were hardly suitable for the long-term storage to do the same, would have been better than to place them by force on the market. But then the starch contents would have to fit.
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