Inglaterra: Crucial point potato season, good marketing necessary
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said that although prices have improved over the past year, marketing is going to be vital moving forward, as the season reaches a crucial point.
Prices have grown on the year and have remained relatively steady in the opening weeks of 2016 but AHDB suggested with the market approaching a point where more 2015 crop was used from store, it was important for farmers to stay abreast of supply and demand changes.
AHDB market analyst Arthur Marshall said: “We are at that pivotal point again in the potato farming calendar. Each week from now, more of 2015 crop will be utilised ex-store, and more of the 2016 crop will be planted in the ground."
He said weather conditions in the spring and summer were critical to the development of this year’s crop.
Free buy ex-farm prices for the week to January 29 were £142.06/tonne compared to £79.66/t last year.
“Average ex-farm prices for Maris Piper have been rising since the New Year, whereas average prices for packing whites have been steadier, indicating differences in supply and demand," Mr Marshall said.
Mr Marshall said up to date market intelligence was vital. AHDB’s weekly market publication Potato Weekly has recently been updated to include improved information and will be sent out three days earlier than previously.
"Supply situations also continually change," he said.
"Poland for example had a record low potato harvest in 2015, moving it from the second to the third largest producer in the EU and creating opportunities as an export destination.”
Source: fginsight.com
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/153207/UK-Crucial-point-potato-season,-good-marketing-necessary
