This season, potato growers in Latvia face challenges due to unpredictable weather patterns. Although some early potato plantings commenced on schedule, the subsequent onset of cold temperatures and high humidity raises concerns about potential yield outcomes. Certain growers have struggled to complete planting operations, hindered by inaccessible fields, as indicated by a report from Latvian Radio on June 4.
Ilmārs Pētersons of the Baltiņi farm in Skaistkalne parish, a major player in potato cultivation, explains the scenario. Early potato seedlings were initially planted on time, but an ensuing cold spell followed by heavy rains impeded the timely sowing of later varieties. "And then some of what had been planted was underwater, and it will probably have rotted by now. Well, there are puddles all over the field. We've never planted so late, but we just couldn't get out into the field, and now they're forecasting rain again, so we have to hurry to plant what we can. But we won't be able to plant as much as we had planned," states Pētersons.
Pētersons had planned to plant 120 hectares, but now anticipates a reduced planting area. This reduction may affect the total yield but could potentially elevate market prices. "Prices should be higher, because we will already have losses. If the price were much higher, then we as growers would be able to make a living. If there is no price against this backdrop, then there will be trouble. I know that buyers don't like it, but we have to live too," he adds.
Similarly, Andis Arājs, managing the Jaunstrīķeri farm in Iecava parish, reports planting delays owing to saturated soil conditions. He notes observable damage, stating, "The low-lying areas will have to be dug up. Because, as far as we can see, the tubers are damaged, their sprouts have rotted, and there will be nothing there."
Jaunstrīķeri farm spans over 100 hectares, and previous financial strains from last year's flooding exacerbated difficulties. Arājs remarks on the financial inflexibility, explaining, "The banks don't understand this at all, everyone needs their payments on time, and no one is interested in our problems…Fortunately, we were helped by our good German friends, seed companies, who delivered new seeds in the spring so that we could replant everything, because last year's seeds were no good after being soaked in water."
Aiga Kraukle, leading the Potato Growers and Processors Association, indicates regional variations in the situation. "I hear from quite a few farmers that nothing has been planted. This is in the same area where there were floods before, around Ozolnieki, Jaunpils, and, of course, in the Madona region, where, as we know, everything is flooded at the moment. There are also unplanted potatoes there," observes Kraukle.
Data from the Central Statistical Bureau reveals a decline in potato acreage in Latvia, with a decrease from the previous year's figures. While a shortage is not yet imminent, the reduction in potato cultivation is noticeable.
Source: Latvian Public Media