Netherlands: Potato prices plummet due to record harvest
Dutch potato growers are under severe financial pressure due to a record harvest combined with last year’s surplus stocks, which has led to a significant drop in market prices.
Producers now receive approximately less than 5 cents per kilo, well below production costs.
In Tholen, farmer Hendrik Jan ten Cate described the situation: "I’m convinced we’re going to lose a lot of money this year. I have potatoes in my warehouse and no buyer. And even if I do, I’ll get at most 20% of what I should get. Losing money is one thing, but not being able to get rid of them is even worse."
Export options are limited. "Other countries don’t necessarily expect our potatoes because European ones are relatively expensive," Eric de Lijster of DCA Market Intelligence told De Telegraaf.
In China, India, and Egypt, potato cultivation has also expanded. They produce much cheaper fries, which is very unfortunate for European consumers. He added that the strong euro and economic uncertainty are exacerbating the pressure. Consumers will not benefit from lower prices despite the market collapse. "In the supermarket, it’s never cheaper," de Lijster said.
He told De Telegraaf that potato chip manufacturers have contracts with producers for a minimum of 20 euros per 100 kilos. "One solution for them is to negotiate the highest possible price with supermarkets, as costs such as energy and labor have also increased considerably."
Fuente: nltimes.nl
