Bolivia: Overproduction of potatoes makes it difficult for farmers to cover production costs.

Overproduction and high supply of potatoes in Laderas Centro, Bolivia, has caused prices to plummet to 25 bolivianos per arroba, preventing farmers from covering production costs (seed and fertilizers costing more than 1600 bolivianos per load), forcing them to work at a loss to survive, according to producer Marino Maraz. 

• Market Situation:  A 25-pound bag of potatoes sells for 25 bolivianos, a price considered low due to the high supply, forcing people to sell almost at cost or at a loss, barely trying to cover their subsistence.
• Costs and Production:  Producers spend approximately 800 Bolivianos on seed and between 850-880 Bolivianos on fertilizers per load, costs that they are unable to recover.
• Varieties and Climate:  Despite climatic challenges and water scarcity in certain areas such as Laderas, there was good production of varieties such as Desire, Cardenal and "jatun puca" (Peruvian).
• Actions:  The potato fair in Laderas Centro was announced to try to sell the production, while support is requested from the authorities to improve prices.