First, the scarcity and intensity of the rain that has fallen in the area since January have caused most of this year’s production to rot, and farmers fear losing the seeds they have preserved for 403 years.
Dutch potato processors have reduced capacity in May, despite the cheaper raw material. In total, 340,700 tons of potatoes were swallowed by the factories, which is more than 7 percent less than in April.
Buyers abroad are currently not waiting for potatoes from the Netherlands. As a result, export does not bring relief in the difficult market situation, in which there is no demand for free potatoes.
In recent years, frozen French fries produced in China have gained market share in countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan. This is putting pressure on North American French fries exports.
The situation is so serious that even Vladimir Putin himself has spoken out. At a meeting with economic officials broadcast on Russian television, the Russian president recently admitted: "Yes, we don’t have enough potatoes this year."
This week saw the birth of "Tonada," the new onion ideal for fresh produce: spherical, smooth, and ready for market. A milestone in Argentine production.
Harvesting is underway in most producing regions.
French fry potato prices plummet to price levels where feed potatoes were traded earlier this year. The Fontane listing of PotatoNL plummets this week by 2.50 euros to 5 to 7.50 euros per 100 kilos.
