Poland sees potato prices rising

The high potato price forecasts for the 2006/07 season are coming true. Potatoes are becoming expensive not only in Poland but also in the other European markets. Bad crops in Poland (9 million MT, which is 13,6% less than during 2005 season), cause difficulties both for processors and consumers and potatoes became much desired product almost everywhere.

At the end of January, wholesale prices in Poland came to around 0,26-0,33 €/kg (around 50% more than at the same time of previous year) and retail prices often exceed 0,5 €/kg. And everything shows that this is not the end. According to experts by the end of spring 2007 potatoes in Poland can be as expensive as oranges – 0,77-1,0 €/kg.

Additional problems were caused by warm winter – potatoes started to loose quality in storage facilities, mainly due to pathogen infestation during growing season. Most of the potato varieties grown in Poland are modern varieties with better resistance to late blight, viruses other diseases and pests. In 2006, 132 potato varieties were registered in Poland. Only in 2006, 15 new varieties – 7 domestic and 8 from Netherlands and Germany - were registered. 13 of them are intended for the fresh market and only 2 for processing. But according to consumers those varieties have a worse taste than older ones. That is why Polish breeders are trying to find varieties with improved taste.

Source: freshplaza.com