Spain (Salamanca): Despite the good quality of the potato, the campaign is marked by an atmosphere of pessimism.

The start of the potato harvest in Cantalpino has been affected by a climate of pessimism. Farmer Alberto Celador comments that "the situation is complicated because there’s no price and no demand." However, the quality of the produce is good: "The potatoes are of good quality, but there’s no demand and no prices. With such high costs, we won’t be able to cover expenses," he states. Fertilizersfor dad

In Alberto’s case, the buyer manages the crew that harvests the potatoes. In Cantalpino, numerous crews of foreign origin are responsible for the harvest. "They do the work, and the buyer pays," he explains.

Celador has not yet set a final price. "Rumor has it that it could be between 16 and 17 cents per kilo," he says. He also adds that "there is a large quantity of potatoes."

Harvest time is usually a source of anticipation, as it represents the reward for a whole year’s work. However, he remarks with dismay, "When the amount is adequate, it’s gratifying, but when you don’t even cover your investment, you just want the year to end."

"An ideal price would be between 22 and 24 cents or more, given the current conditions. It’s unbelievable having to pay €1.32 per liter of agricultural diesel. Fertilizer and mineral prices are out of control," he continues. "Six years ago, 17 cents was profitable, but now it’s different," he states. Analysisprices

To speed up the harvest, Celador began pulling potatoes from the edges of a plot he had just started planting. He sowed them in March and they grew quickly: "They practically sprouted the next day," he says.

His experience resonates with other local producers like Eulogio Pérez and Félix Rogado. Félix mentions that "the season is short, with poor prices and limited production due to the heat." He explains that "the high temperatures in May accelerated development." Eulogio adds that "although there are potatoes, they aren’t reaching a good size."

They were harvesting the Silvana variety, which tends to develop many tubers and is sown with whole seeds. "Current markets require manual harvesting. If we waited a few days, we could use a combine harvester and reduce costs by two cents per kilo. But demand doesn’t wait; if they are held up in the markets, the season comes to a standstill," they explain.

The positive aspect of this potato, which the crew placed directly into thousand-kilo sacks, is its marketable size. "Just as it comes out, it doesn’t even need washing," they comment.

Meanwhile, on another farm in the municipality, another farmer was harvesting the Carrera variety, also white and early-maturing. Here, the potatoes were placed in 25-kilo sacks for immediate transport to Mercasalamanca. These potatoes could be consumed in homes and restaurants throughout the city the same day, as their harvest is timed to ensure their freshness upon arrival at the stores.