Agrico Announced a EUR35.50 per 100 kg of 2002 Potato Seeds Crop
The potato cooperative Agrico recently informed its members of an average price indication of EUR35.50 per 100 kg for all provided kilograms of potato seeds with a diameter of 28 mm or greater beginning with the harvest in 2022. The cost is an average of all supplied types, sizes, and classes.
To reach 42,900 kilos in 2022, the total output per hectare increased by 4,400 kg in comparison to 2021. Additionally, the sizes were better than in 2021, so 55,000 more tons of seed potatoes were available. Compared to the harvest of 2021, the pool's overall sales volume has increased by 45,000 tons. Arizona, Rudolph, Markies, and Fontane were notable 'risers' in the sold volume.
In 2022, Agrico invested to make sure there will be enough seed potatoes available to meet the demand for early export. As a result, the potato cooperative was able to export significantly more goods to this market.
Additionally, there have been improvements in supplies, particularly to Algeria and Iraq, where Arizona is now the dominant monopoly variety. Additionally, the red-skinned market in Algeria is very competitive for the Rudolph variety.
A Completely Different State
The market for ware potatoes in Europe was in a completely different state. When farmers in Europe realized how much more expensive it was to grow potatoes, they either stopped or switched to growing potatoes for other markets. The pool price of these types also reflects this influence. As a result, Agrico has chosen to significantly intervene in the farming of some European ware potato types.
For the French fry industry, there was a great need for variety. Every kind has been entirely consumed. Napoleon is a novel variation that is now offered in the crisps market. The variety has previously performed well in trials, and now numerous chip companies have prepared the first programs for the harvest in 2023.
COVID-19 has continued to have a significant impact on transportation costs during the past year as well. The price of conventional ship consignments and container transit might increase by up to 50%, depending on the destination. But this year, there were enough containers for all the destinations. The growers' expenses have also increased significantly during the past 12 months. The pool committee has increased storage expenses by 20% as a result. The market must make up for the additional cost rises.
“The market has changed significantly both nationally and internationally during the past season. We are happy that Agrico was able to respond well to this, with a good result because of that,” General Director Jan van Hoogen said, adding that he is satisfied with the substantially higher level of the grower’s price in comparison to last year.
Agrico will announce the final grower’s prices in July.
