Strong increase in HZPC seed potato price

The forecasted price* for seed potato growers of HZPC Holland for the 2023 harvest is EUR 50.70 (USD 50.20) per 100 kilos. This price is more than 35% higher than the price of the 2022 harvest. The yields in kilos per hectare of the 2023 harvest are significantly lower than last year and previous years. The final price will be announced at the end of June.

A significant amount of seed potatoes have been rejected or downgraded due to diseases. These downgrades are partly caused by weather conditions and partly because fewer crop protection products are permitted to prevent diseases. 

Due to the low yields and the large number of larger sizes, it is a challenging sales season. Buyers prefer potatoes in the smaller size categories. They want as few of the large sizes as possible. Sales prices for upper sizes are considerably lower than those for lower sizes. Nevertheless, HZPC strives to sell both the smaller as well as the larger sizes as seed potatoes. This is to serve its customers. 

Positive outlook for the coming seed potato season

Martin Jansen Klomp, Benelux regional manager:
 

"Seed potato cultivation is a risky cultivation with high costs. To guarantee profitable cultivation, it is essential that we charge a consistently high price."

"Despite the challenges of the past season, the financial return per hectare is 13% higher than the previous season. We look optimistically at the coming seed potato season."

The total area of ​​seed potatoes in Northwestern Europe fell last year. Another decline is expected in 2024. The limited supply creates favorable sales prospects for the seed potato grower in the Netherlands for the coming year.