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Dutch and Belgian processing potato prices saw sharp declines in W11, with the Expana Benchmark Price (EBP) for Dutch potatoes falling 16% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 292.52 per metric ton (mt) and Belgian Fontane potatoes dropping 20% to USD 189.60/mt. High availability and contract coverage among processors have subdued the free-buy market, following record-high prices in Dec-24 and Jan-25. Dutch processing potato prices are now down 23% year-on-year (YoY), impacting French fries and processed goods. Dry weather is supporting planting preparations, increasing supply expectations. While some expect higher planted acreage, the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) warns this could pressure prices further in the 2025/26 marketing year (MY).
A severe frost has devastated potato farms in Cyprus, causing extensive crop damage and raising concerns over the industry's future. The unexpected cold snap hit key potato-growing regions, with farmers in the Famagusta district, one of the country's largest production areas reporting losses of up to 90% in terms of production. The frost struck at a critical growth stage, rendering large portions of the crop unmarketable and further straining growers already facing rising production costs. Local farmers are urging the government to provide immediate financial assistance. Meanwhile, agricultural unions warn that without swift intervention, many producers may face financial ruin, jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of Cyprus’ potato sector. The Agriculture Ministry has acknowledged the crisis and is monitoring the situation, but growers remain anxious about whether compensation will be timely and sufficient. As the industry grapples with the impact, farmers hope for urgent government support to aid their recovery and safeguard the country’s potato production.
Wireworm damage is becoming a growing concern for United Kingdom (UK) potato crops, spreading beyond traditional grassland rotations in the south and west to eastern counties and the Scottish borders. Wireworm infestations can cause significant tuber damage, leading to downgrades and increased vulnerability to rot and disease. The rise in wireworm populations is linked to greater use of green cover, increased organic matter, higher soil moisture retention, reduced soil cultivation, and decreased insecticidal seed treatments. Moreover, maize cultivation for forage or energy crops provides a favorable habitat for wireworms, increasing the risk to potato crops.
In W11, France’s potato prices rose by 2.56% WoW to USD 0.40 per kilogram (kg) from USD 0.39/kg. This is driven by reduced market availability due to lower-than-expected storage volumes from the 2024 harvest, which totaled approximately 7.9 million metric tons (mmt), down from 8.3 mmt in 2023. Persistent rainfall in key production regions such as Hauts-de-France and Normandy in Feb-25 caused logistical delays, limiting fresh supply to the market. Meanwhile, steady demand from processors and exporters, particularly Spain and Italy, provided additional support.
In W11, German potato prices rose by 3.17% WoW and month-on-month (MoM) to USD 0.65/kg, driven by strong demand outpacing supply. According to the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture, processors from neighboring countries, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium, have increased purchases, tightening available stocks. Additionally, adverse weather conditions reduced Germany’s 2024 potato harvest to an estimated 10.3 mmt, down from 10.7 mmt in 2023. With limited free-market industrial potatoes and domestic contract obligations taking priority, supply constraints continued to push prices higher. Farmers expect prices to remain firm as processor demand persists.
In W11, Pakistan's potato prices declined by 5.56% WoW and MoM to USD 0.18/kg from USD 0.19/kg. The ongoing harvest in Punjab, the country's key potato-producing region, has increased supply, driving prices down. Higher acreage and improved yields have boosted market availability while easing inflation and stable input costs, particularly for fertilizers and fuel, have lowered production expenses. Furthermore, weaker export demand and improved domestic distribution have kept the market well-supplied, preventing price surges.
In W11, Egypt’s potato prices fell by 8.33% WoW and 47.62% YoY, extending the recent downward trend due to increased supply from the ongoing Nile season harvest. Main producing governorates, including Minya, Dakahlia, Beheira, and Menoufia, have boosted domestic availability, intensifying oversupply pressure. Moreover, weaker export demand and seasonal price fluctuations have accelerated the decline. However, market stabilization could occur in the coming weeks as demand adjusts to shifting supply levels and post-harvest storage slows market inflows.
To enhance resilience against severe frost, Cypriot potato growers should consider cultivating frost-tolerant varieties such as Cara, a late-maturing variety with strong resistance to cold stress; Russet Burbank, which exhibits moderate frost tolerance and is well-suited for processing; and Yukon Gold, a short-cycle variety that minimizes exposure to prolonged cold. Additionally, Agria is known for its adaptability to cooler temperatures and high yield potential; Spunta is a semi-early variety widely grown in Mediterranean regions with some cold resistance; and Innovator offers good cold tolerance and disease resistance, making it suitable for storage and processing. Integrating these varieties with frost protection strategies—such as floating row covers, sprinkler irrigation for ice protection, and improved soil insulation—can significantly reduce crop losses. Furthermore, collaboration with research institutions to develop new frost-resistant hybrids tailored to Cyprus' climate can further strengthen the industry's resilience against extreme weather.
With Dutch and Belgian processing potato prices under pressure due to oversupply, growers and processors should explore alternative markets and value-added products. Expanding exports to emerging markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, can help absorb excess supply. Moreover, producers can focus on diversifying into premium processed products such as frozen specialty fries and dehydrated potato flakes, which offer higher margins and longer shelf-life, reducing dependence on the volatile fresh processing market.
The increasing spread of wireworm damage in UK potato fields demands a proactive, integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Farmers should implement crop rotation strategies that minimize wireworm habitats by alternating with non-host crops like legumes or cereals. Maintaining soil health through controlled cultivation and biological control measures, such as applying entomopathogenic fungi or nematodes, can effectively suppress wireworm populations. Using precision monitoring techniques like bait trapping allows farmers to assess infestation levels accurately and optimize pesticide applications, reducing economic losses.
Sources: Tridge, PotatoNewsToday
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