Spain: The heat has reduced potato production by more than 10% and prices have yet to recover.

The high temperatures experienced since the end of May in the region are affecting potato production in Castile and León. Three weeks after the start of the harvest in the region, it has already been observed that early varieties have suffered the effects of the heat waves. This situation could worsen for later varieties if temperatures do not drop. 

The president of the Potato Producers Association of Castile and León (Appacyl), Eduardo Arroyo, estimates that production of current varieties, especially the Colomba, has decreased by between 10 and 12 percent. He points out that the impact could be greater on mid-cycle varieties, as these are being more severely affected.

Arroyo explains that the summer has been extremely hot, with numerous heat waves, which puts plants into defense mode and reduces production because they stop growing when temperatures exceed 32 or 33 degrees Celsius. He states that this problem is not limited to Spain, as it is also affecting France.

Although the overall reduction in yields cannot yet be quantified, as some harvests are still pending and the weather is uncertain, Arroyo suggests that the earlier harvests may have been less affected because they avoided some of the heat in May. However, the later harvests are now suffering from the excessive temperatures. Farmers can control the necessary humidity, but not the temperatures, and will know the final reduction at the end of the season.

Furthermore, the area sown with potatoes in Castile and León has decreased by 2,850 hectares, reaching a total of 17,500 hectares. This returns to normal figures after last year’s increase driven by improved  prices .

This drop in production and acreage should have stabilized prices upwards, according to Arroyo. However, this hasn’t happened due to a surplus of potatoes from other markets. He points out that Andalusia has had a better-than-expected harvest, and there is also a surplus of product in France that has entered the market despite its low quality. 

The president of Appacyl also mentions the stress farmers are under to sell before the potatoes lose quality. Several factors have combined to create a scenario of low prices that may soon improve. He points out that good potatoes will eventually be valuable because there will be less supply than expected.

Costs are not being covered at current prices either. Production costs have increased by 10%, especially for energy and fertilizers, raising expenses by approximately €1,000 per hectare compared to last year.

The harvest season is three weeks in and is currently focused on Castile and León. In this context, the president recommends rationalizing the harvest to stagger it appropriately. He suggests not rushing the harvest, as prices could rise again in a few weeks due to increased demand for potatoes.