The consumer potato market has been in a state of flux since February 2025, and this is also reflected in the seed potato market. On the FarmTrade platform, Dirk Bos looks back on last season and offers a cautious outlook for the current one.
Growing season 2024
Dirk says, "Last season's cultivation was exceptionally unusual. There were major differences in yields, but overall, things went well. Planting began very late due to wet conditions, but the growing season itself went smoothly. In the south, the tal (the number of tubers per plant) was relatively low compared to the north, where tuber counts were very high. There were also parts of the country where seed potatoes drowned due to excessive moisture."
The slump
In mid-February, the ware potato market suddenly collapsed. Prices for chip varieties in particular dropped sharply. Farmers were left with unsold potatoes, and the mood turned very negative, which spilled over into the seed potato market. "As a result, we noticed a significant lack of new demand for seed potatoes," he said. "Despite the sluggish consumption market, seed potato prices remained high at €50.00 to €60.00," says Dirk Bos.
Opportunities and threats
Despite persistently high seed potato prices and strong export growth, Dirk warns against complacency. While exports of seed potatoes from the 2024 crop were 47,000 tonnes higher than the average of the past four years, this is no guarantee for 2025. It is still too early to make any firm predictions. Dirk: "Despite the recent rain, there is still a greater rainfall deficit than in the record year of 1976. This presents both opportunities and risks. If the dry weather continues, harvests in some areas may fall short. That scarcity could lift prices out of their current slump."
Lesson from Dirk
Dirk Bos would like to share one key lesson: "Partner with a reliable trading company and build resilience for the future and unexpected events, especially now that the share of free seed potatoes is growing. That's how we can protect and strengthen our great sector!"
For more information:
Dirk Bos
Aardappelhandel Dirk Bos
Mob: +31 (0) 61224 3969
[email protected]
www.farmtrade.nl