The Northwest European Potato Growers (NEPG) association has reiterated the need to reduce potato hectarage in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. However, for this adjustment to be economically viable tubers must not be sold below production costs.
With just a few months to go before the end of the 2025-26 season, NEPG is calling on processors to communicate their end-of-season requirements quickly and clearly. For producers, it is not economically justifiable or viable to keep volumes in storage without commercial visibility.
Competitiveness and Sustainability
In a press release issued recently, the association stated: “Everyone agrees that European manufacturers must remain competitive in the global market for processed products, this objective cannot be achieved at the expense of the sustainability of the European model. In addition to the strong long-standing relationship between producers and processors, it remains essential to continue focusing on the development of more resilient varieties that are less subject to climatic constraints (inputs, water, etc.) and on the seed production of these varieties. The sector’s long-term viability requires a balanced and respectful approach between all links in the chain.”
Contractual Oversight
NEPG urges producers to exercise caution when signing contracts. With contract prices known, benefits from producing potatoes will come from free buy potatoes – thus the importance of limiting growing area, even if abundant seed is available.
Although many fear a decline in volumes and therefore focus solely on securing contracts, the new varietal and quality requirements must be fully understood by all, says the association. In addition, potato producers should only plant what they reasonably believe can be sold at a decent price. Any purchase offer without a clearly defined price should be rejected.
Stocks of Free Buy Potatoes Could End Up on Fields
Volumes that are not contracted or that have quality defects may not find a buyer. Producers must be aware of the technical, health and environmental consequences of any potential storage clearance onto fields. Alternative outlets should be considered first, such as animal feed, methanization, and donations.
Production Costs and Sales of Processed Potatoes
On the industrial side, greater visibility on sales of processed products would reflect real needs and guide producers. On the producer side it will be important to reduce area and costs. Although the price of seed potatoes has fallen slightly, an increase in production costs including energy, fertilizer and diesel is to be expected if the war in the Middle East continues for an extended time.
