Adam Formica’s Post

Further Delays for Belgium and the Netherlands Fresh Potato Crop Weather Challenges and Crop Delays in Northwest Europe The fresh potato crop in northwest Europe, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, is facing significant delays due to persistent rainy weather that hindered plantings. These delays are expected to affect the supply chain and market conditions for the 2024-2025 marketing year, with implications for farmers, agronomists, and the broader agricultural industry. Crop Progress and Market Impact According to a statement by the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) released on July 1, 2024, the hectarage for potato planting is estimated to have increased by 4-6%. However, the progress varies widely, with some fields only newly planted by the end of June—unusually late—while others are already in full flowering and nearing harvest. This variation in crop progress is reflected in market conditions. The Expana benchmark price (EBP) for Dutch processing potatoes has reached an all-time high of EUR625/MT, a 7.76% increase year over year. The limited availability of free buying processing materials is a direct consequence of the highly wet and delayed 2023 harvest, which c... https://lnkd.in/exKrdTmy

Record High Potato Prices in Spain: A Double-Edged Sword for Farmers in Castilla y León Castilla y León, responsible for more than half of Spain’s potato production, is experiencing a unique agricultural season. Despite a 2.14% increase in the area under potato cultivation—rising to 17,290 hectares—the region is expected to see a 10% to 15% drop in production compared to the previous year. The combination of inadequate rainfall and intense heat has taken a toll on crop yields, despite an expansion in cultivated area. In 2023, the region harvested 807,269 tons of potatoes. However, the 2024 harvest is projected to fall to approximately 726,542 tons. Despite this decline in output, the market value of the harvest is expected to rise sharply due to the soaring prices. If the current price trend holds, the 2024 potato crop could be valued at over EUR 360 million, compared to EUR 250 million in 2023. This would mark a significant increase, driven largely by the scarcity of potatoes in the market, both locally and in neighboring regions such as southern Spain and France. Price Volatility: A Persistent Challenge for Potato Growers The record-breaking prices seen in 2024 are p... https://lnkd.in/eNUjQiSJ

Further Delays for Belgium and the Netherlands Fresh Potato Crop Weather Challenges and Crop Delays in Northwest Europe The fresh potato crop in northwest Europe, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, is facing significant delays due to persistent rainy weather that hindered plantings. These delays are expected to affect the supply chain and market conditions for the 2024-2025 marketing year, with implications for farmers, agronomists, and the broader agricultural industry. Crop Progress and Market Impact According to a statement by the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) released on July 1, 2024, the hectarage for potato planting is estimated to have increased by 4-6%. However, the progress varies widely, with some fields only newly planted by the end of June—unusually late—while others are already in full flowering and nearing harvest. This variation in crop progress is reflected in market conditions. The Expana benchmark price (EBP) for Dutch processing potatoes has reached an all-time high of EUR625/MT, a 7.76% increase year over year. The limited availability of free buying processing materials is a direct consequence of the highly wet and delayed 2023 harvest, which co... https://lnkd.in/e8qF5TiK

Record High Potato Prices in Spain: A Double-Edged Sword for Farmers in Castilla y León Castilla y León, responsible for more than half of Spain’s potato production, is experiencing a unique agricultural season. Despite a 2.14% increase in the area under potato cultivation—rising to 17,290 hectares—the region is expected to see a 10% to 15% drop in production compared to the previous year. The combination of inadequate rainfall and intense heat has taken a toll on crop yields, despite an expansion in cultivated area. In 2023, the region harvested 807,269 tons of potatoes. However, the 2024 harvest is projected to fall to approximately 726,542 tons. Despite this decline in output, the market value of the harvest is expected to rise sharply due to the soaring prices. If the current price trend holds, the 2024 potato crop could be valued at over EUR 360 million, compared to EUR 250 million in 2023. This would mark a significant increase, driven largely by the scarcity of potatoes in the market, both locally and in neighboring regions such as southern Spain and France. Price Volatility: A Persistent Challenge for Potato Growers The record-breaking prices seen in 2024 are ... https://lnkd.in/ebtHf-fV

Accelerated Harvest in Spain: Demand Pressure Drives Early Potato Crops The Pressing Demand for Potatoes in Spain Accelerates Harvest Schedules In recent months, potato producers in Spain, particularly in Castilla y León, have faced significant pressure to expedite their harvests. A combination of lower-than-expected yields and robust market demand has driven this urgency. This acceleration in harvest schedules has been a response to substantial gaps in supply, compelling producers to harvest potatoes earlier than usual to meet market needs. Current Production and Market Dynamics According to Eduardo Arroyo, president of the Asociación de Productores de Patata de Castilla y León (Appacyl), the current production levels are considerably lower than in previous years. The average yield this season is around 40 tons per hectare, with only a few exceptions reaching close to 50 tons per hectare. This marks a significant 15% decrease compared to the previous year’s production, which saw yields 10-15% higher than a normal year. One primary reason for the reduced yield is the adverse planting conditions, where wet soil hindered optimal potato development. Despite these challenges, the quality... https://lnkd.in/eskrEZfz

Colorado’s Promising Potato Harvest: What Farmers and Agronomists Need to Know Colorado’s Potato Harvest 2024: Promising Yields Amidst Industry Changes Colorado, renowned for its significant contribution to the U.S. potato market, is experiencing a promising 2024 harvest. The state, which boasts over 70 potato varieties, is seeing a steady yield despite a slight reduction in acreage. As the season progresses, both conventional and organic potato growers are reporting encouraging results. Stable Volumes and Promising Quality Colorado’s potato volume this season is projected to reach around 14.8 hundredweight, consistent with last year’s figures. Although acreage has decreased by a couple of thousand acres due to some growers reducing their planting, the early arrival of rain and warm temperatures is expected to positively impact the overall volume. Farm Fresh Direct of America, based in Monte Vista, launched its late-summer crop on August 19. Cindy Adkins, Director of Sales, reports that the quality of yellow and russet potatoes looks exceptionally promising. This year’s russets are notably larger, with 25% of them expected to weigh over 10 ounces, compared to the usual 15%. Orga... https://lnkd.in/euf4AsBR

Accelerated Harvest in Spain: Demand Pressure Drives Early Potato Crops The Pressing Demand for Potatoes in Spain Accelerates Harvest Schedules In recent months, potato producers in Spain, particularly in Castilla y León, have faced significant pressure to expedite their harvests. A combination of lower-than-expected yields and robust market demand has driven this urgency. This acceleration in harvest schedules has been a response to substantial gaps in supply, compelling producers to harvest potatoes earlier than usual to meet market needs. Current Production and Market Dynamics According to Eduardo Arroyo, president of the Asociación de Productores de Patata de Castilla y León (Appacyl), the current production levels are considerably lower than in previous years. The average yield this season is around 40 tons per hectare, with only a few exceptions reaching close to 50 tons per hectare. This marks a significant 15% decrease compared to the previous year’s production, which saw yields 10-15% higher than a normal year. One primary reason for the reduced yield is the adverse planting conditions, where wet soil hindered optimal potato development. Despite these challenges, the quality ... https://lnkd.in/eQR-H9NU

Although the dry weather is positive for the coffee harvest in Brazil, the weather conditions raise concerns about the next crop. “Coffee prices on Monday rose after Somar Meteorologia Ltda reported that the State of Minas Gerais region received no rain last week, compared to the week’s historical average of 2.6 mm”, according to Barchart. “The total harvest – arabica plus conilon/canephora – should reach 66.04 million bags, approximately 4.3 million bags below the last estimate… and practically in line with the past harvest”, according to Safras & Mercado consulting firm. (Barchart; Safras & Mercado) SLC Agrícola S/A announced a joint venture with Agropecuária Rica, involving the Fazenda Preciosa farm, located in the State of Mato Grosso. SLC will hold a 55% stake of the farm, and the other company will hold the remaining 45%. Fazenda Preciosa has an area of 21.8 thousand hectares if the potential for first and second crops is considered, and should initially be used for the production of soybeans and corn. (SLC Agrícola) Capal Cooperativa Agroindustrial announced a partnership with Sicredi Novos Horizontes PR SP and Sicoob Aliança to release US$ 6.91 million through the Coffee Economy Defense Fund – Funcafé. Resources will be invested in the north of the State of Paraná and the southwest of São Paulo. Approximately 600 associated coffee farmers will benefit. According to Amilton Burgo Brambila, financial director at Capal, Funcafé credit allows for an extension of the payment period for inputs after the harvest, better negotiation conditions with the supply chain and allows to seize purchasing and selling opportunities. (Capal Agroindustrial Cooperative) For Paraguay, GDP growth projection in 2024 remains at 3.8%. The agricultural sector showed a small increase of 0.4% in the last quarterly GDP, due to higher production of sugarcane, cotton, beans, yerba mate, etc. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, projections for the next quarter could be harmed due to the smaller harvest of off-season corn. (@Capeco; Midagri)

𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Tandingang, Bumthang—Some 23 villagers were gathered at the Tshokpa’s house in Tandingang village to chant baza guru, the quintessential mantra of Guru Rinpoche. It was the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, the holiest day of the holy month of saga dawa. The villagers looked prayerful and were intent on making the most of the spiritually potent day. Yet, occasional conversations punctuated the devotional chanting. As Sangay Dawa, one of the farmers, stopped chanting to partake in the conversation, she could not help but bring up the biggest issue on her mind – the declining potato production, growers, and market. It seemed like the most mundane topic for discussion on the holiest of days, but for Sangay Dawa, it was the most sacred. Tandingang and Khangrab villages in Tang, are among the highest potato-growing villages in Bumthang. Potato is their primary cash crop. However, in recent years, potato production has not been good. For the farmers, the issue is worth sacrificing precious time dedicated to baza guru. Bhutan is generally experiencing a decline in potato production. This is attributed to the ageing of potato seeds and their declining quality. Research shows that only 24 percent of the agricultural land is mechanised. The NCOA report 2023 states that the country produced 31,146 metric tonnes (MT) of potatoes in 2022, a decrease of 7,427 MT compared to the previous years. It was a 19 percent decline. In 2022, several major potato-growing regions in Bhutan reported lower harvests. Wangdue, the highest potato-producing dzongkhag, harvested 10,323 MT, down by 583 MT from 2021. Bumthang is the third-biggest potato-producing dzongkhag, with an annual production of 2,860.17 MT, sown across 564.01 acres by 1,054 growers. The Food and Nutrition Security Policy of Bhutan 2023 underscores the absence of a comprehensive human resource plan, including development and deployment, leading to the decline in public investment and its evaluation. Among root and tuber crops, potato is one of the cash crops with biggest exports to India, contributing to the income of farming communities. Bhutan harvested 44,278 MT of potatoes in 2022. However, the number of growers has declined to 33,096. Through potato export of 24,439 MT, a revenue of about Nu 511.40 million was generated. To ensure the quality of produce, a total of 111.77 acres of land and 25 households have been audited and certified under the local organic assurance system. Between 2022 and 2023, about 35 irrigation schemes were completed, covering 164 kms. Bhutan aims to increase the agriculture sector’s contribution to GDP from USD 365 million in 2022 to USD 625 million by 2029, and USD 854 million by 2034. Full story on Kuensel https://lnkd.in/geTvYEy4

(USA 24.05.24) #blueberries California Set to Achieve a Record-Breaking Blueberry Harvest This Season [AG: (Blue)berry production & market updates Australia?] California's 2024 blueberry harvest is projected at a record 74.5 million pounds. Despite favorable conditions, rain damage lowered initial estimates. Market saturation from imports pressures prices, necessitating strategic marketing. Agronometrics provides data tools to help navigate these conditions. ----- [AG: (Blue)berry production & market updates Australia? In Australia's competitive fresh produce landscape, the absence of readily available, accurate, and real-time market data gravely impacts farmers and growers, effectively leaving them to navigate the complexities of the supply chain without a compass. Unlike other nations that prioritize the distribution of market intelligence to their agricultural sectors, Australia lags conspicuously in providing timely and freely accessible updates on fresh produce production and market trends. This deficiency not only reflects systemic shortcomings but also significantly impedes the operational efficiency and strategic decision-making of our agriculturalists. Compounded by the proliferation of various representative bodies within the fresh produce industry, this absence of unified and transparent market data further exacerbates the challenges faced. Such disarray not only tarnishes Australia's reputation on the global stage but also severely undermines the competitiveness and viability of our domestic producers. The resultant fragmented landscape fosters inefficiencies and a lack of transparency, creating an environment ripe for exploitation by intermediaries and allowing major retailers to enforce unsustainable margins. This dynamic subjects our farmers and growers to undue financial and mental duress, pushing some to the periphery of the industry and others, regrettably, to far more dire outcomes. Resource allocation, too, is skewed towards band-aid solutions, neglecting the urgent need for a strategic overhaul focused on long-term sustainability and industry resilience. There is a critical demand for a consolidated effort to inaugurate a national platform that ensures the free and easy availability of comprehensive market updates. Such a solution would not only empower our farmers and growers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions but also advocate for a more transparent, collaborative and sustainable future for Australia’s fresh produce industry. It is incumbent upon industry representatives to pivot towards actionable solutions that anchor the future success and sustainability of our fresh produce industry.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gZ7y_Euz