Spain: The sector expects the potato surface to increase by up to 12% due to high prices

The good prices that the product has been experiencing in recent years and the acceptance by the markets, lead to a forecast of a growth in the surface area of ​​potatoes in Castilla y León that could reach up to 12%. These are the forecasts made by the Association of Potato Producers of the region (Appacyl), after observing the evolution of this crop compared to others that are not going through their best moments, especially beetroot. This situation raises fears for the balance between supply and demand of the product, since it would mean the addition of almost 2,000 new hectares. A forecast that has generated nervousness among farmers who are dedicated to potato production, who are also asking other questions about the suitability of closing contracts before sowing or "taking a chance" without contracting.

«Farmers are nervous about a campaign that they do not see as very clear because it comes from a previous one with excessively good prices, and it can encourage farmers to sow, even producers who did not sow before», explains the president of the Association of Producers, Eduardo Arroyo. In this sense, he points out that the potato is a crop «that is fortunate today», compared to other proposals that are going through difficult times «with the issue of prices, of acceptance by the markets because they are going to be harmed by Mercosur». A situation that, in his opinion, can be detrimental to the sector with an excess of sowing. «Last year we had about 17,000 hectares, an area that has been stable for some time; if it grows between 10 and 15%, it would mean almost 2,000 hectares more, a high figure for the market to assume», explains the president of Appacyl. A situation that, according to Arroyo, has triggered the "nerves" of producers who are considering what to do in view of the next campaign that will begin to be sown in about a month. "They are wondering what to do, whether to sow by contract or to sow without contracting. Whether they are taking a risk or looking for stability. That is what is being talked about in the sector," he says, regretting that things must be carefully evaluated to avoid "going from a good year to a year that could fall apart."

Seriousness

Arroyo argues that in the countryside, potato production is seen as a "serious" commitment, thanks to the work being carried out by the Interprofessional and the producers’ association, which has led to the crop having "stability" and beginning to assume "a very great importance" in the regional agricultural panorama. In this sense, he insists that they are aware that this situation and the high prices are generating a call effect where "many people who have never planted potatoes are already making their forecasts and buying seeds for the crop."

Arroyo recalls that the price of potatoes fell in October and November due to the rain and humidity that caused damage to the product and production, but that it has since recovered with increases of 0.10 and 0.15 euros due to the lack of goods, which has also been helped by the shortage in France. Regarding the future, he concludes that it is positive that "there is not much goods" to start the campaign, but he stresses the need to be cautious because "in a month’s time the sowing will begin, and we will see what this growth forecast holds for us." In any case, the farmer also recalls that the sector has had very good years in terms of prices, but has also suffered, like the countryside in general, from the increase in production costs that "have almost doubled in four years."