Sticky Continental harvest can boost spud prices


By FWi staff


ABYSMAL potato harvesting conditions on the Continent could lead to a price boost for British producers, predicts the British Potato Council.


April futures on the Amsterdam market rocketed up 90/t to 193/t over the last week, although historically the link between potato futures prices and ex-farm values is not as strong as for the cereals market.


However, ex-farm values in Holland and Germany are already increasing which is unusual during harvest.


The average value of the Dutch new crop is 71-77/t, a rise of almost 10/t on the week.


UK prices, however, continue to fall as producers with lack of storage space or cashflow requirements are forced to sell. Ex-farm the average price is just under 79/t, a drop of 3/t.


London futures contracts for April also surged strongly, gaining 29/t to finish the week at 135/t.

FREE ARABLE UPDATE


CLICK HERE to receive FWis FREE new weekly email newsletter, providing an instant link to all the major additions and updates relevant to your arable business.

See more