W25: Potato Update

In W25 in the potato landscape, Dutch consumption and industrial potato exports reached 97.1 thousand tonnes in May 2023, a decrease of 4 thousand tons MoM, but the export volume remains high in the Netherlands.

Potato processors in Belgium are responsible for managing potatoes, but they are facing the need to increase the supply specifically for French fries factories. French fries manufacturers have secured a bulk supply through contracts. In contrast, Dutch processors encountered a decrease in their potato supply during May 2023. As a result, potato prices, including varieties like Fontane and Challenger, continue to remain high.

The price of British potatoes has experienced a significant increase of up to 100% within a year as the supply becomes more constrained.

Germany's early potato supply has increased significantly, with France and Italy contributing significantly. The increased availability may affect prices slightly, with some areas experiencing slight price drops.

Ukraine's potato prices have increased significantly due to a reduction in supply. The average price for last year's potatoes is now USD 0.25-0.33/kg (UAH 9-12/kg), 50% higher than the average price WoW.

Irish potato prices have doubled in the past 12 months. Further market increases may occur due to a shortage in potato supplies caused by last summer's drought across Europe.

After five years of sustainable development training, high Andean communities in Peru have successfully recovered 226 different types of potatoes. This achievement contributes to promoting food security, conserving agricultural biodiversity, and building resilience to climate change in the country.

In Idaho, Oregon, and Washington States in the US, the supply of potatoes has been fully exhausted as of June 1, 2023. Idaho had 19 million cwt (hundredweight), Oregon had 2.80 million cwt, and Washington had 13 million cwt of potatoes in storage. Nationally, the total potato supply in storage was 54.5 million cwt, a 3% decrease YoY. The season-to-date disappearance rate was 4%, and there was a 1% loss due to shrinkage. Overall, potato production across the eight states remained the same as in June 2022.

In Kazakhstan, potato prices have experienced sharp increases, rising by 6.2% since the start of June 2023 and 12.8% since the beginning of 2023. Despite the inflation, potatoes remain cheaper than they were in June 2022.

CIP in India and Bangladesh is promoting potato production in mulch, an innovative method popular among farmers. Seed potatoes are laid onto tilled soil and covered with leftover straw mulch from the rice harvest. These potatoes are ready in three months for planting the next crop.

In South Korea, between June 25 and July 1, 2023, Gangwon Province in South Korea is anticipating an outbreak of potato blight. This disease is likely to spread extensively in cool temperatures and high humidity conditions. To combat this, the Rural Development Administration is employing control chemicals such as mancozeb and chlorothalonil. Additionally, therapeutic fungicides like dimethomorph and etaboxam are being utilized. The director of the Goryeongji Agricultural Research Institute has cautioned about the rapid transmission of potato blight and advises the use of alternative fungicides, following safe usage guidelines. Potato prices at Garak market in Seoul, South Korea have dropped by 16.1% YoY and 31.7% compared to 2022, with "Sumi" potatoes selling at USD 22.79/box (KRW 30,000/box).