José Ignacio Falces Provides Insights on the Continuous Presence of Spanish Potatoes in the Market
Ensuring a consistent supply of Spanish potatoes throughout the year remains a key objective for the sector, driven by innovative farming practices and strategic collaborations. José Ignacio Falces sheds light on the evolution of potato production in Spain and the recent success achieved in extending the season with verdete potatoes.
The verdete potato, cultivated as a second crop in specific regions of Spain, has concluded its harvesting season, yet its presence in the market will persist for several more weeks. Juan Manuel Coello, Director of Operations at Patatas Meléndez, shares his insights on this unique cultivation method and its impact on the industry’s performance this season.
Reflecting on the verdete campaign, Coello highlights the favorable outcomes achieved despite challenges posed by heavy rainfall, emphasizing the premium quality of the produce obtained. Despite the inherent risks associated with precipitation, farmers find verdete cultivation economically attractive due to relatively lower production costs compared to spring-summer crops.
Coello further elaborates on the attractiveness of verdete potatoes for farmers, citing manageable production expenses and satisfactory profitability as driving factors. Despite lower yields compared to summer crops, verdete cultivation offers a viable alternative for farmers, contributing to the diversification of agricultural practices in Spain.
Addressing concerns regarding seed availability, Coello acknowledges the challenges posed by dwindling seed supplies and emphasizes the need for industry-wide interventions to address this issue. Despite these challenges, preparations for the upcoming planting season in Castilla y León are underway, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of the sector.
Looking ahead, Coello expresses optimism for the 2024 potato season, anticipating favorable planting conditions and robust demand both domestically and internationally. However, concerns persist regarding seed availability, posing a potential obstacle to future cultivation efforts.
Despite these challenges, the Spanish potato industry remains poised to meet growing demand, leveraging its reputation for high-quality produce to secure partnerships and market access across Europe. Through continued innovation and collaboration, the sector aims to maintain its position as a leading supplier of premium potatoes in the global market.
