Delayed start, promising prospects
In Castile and León, this year’s potato harvest is expected to begin with a slight delay, from July 5 to 7. The campaign is about 8 to 10 days behind schedule compared to the previous year, according to Eduardo Arroyo, president of the Potato Growers Association. This delay is due to late planting caused by excessive humidity and cooler temperatures. Despite these challenges, the region is poised for a fruitful season.
Solving landing problems
The planting season started later than usual due to high soil moisture levels, forcing farmers to wait before sowing seeds. Eduardo Arroyo explained that despite initial concerns about seed availability, farmers were able to sow all the seeds they needed, although many had to be divided due to their larger size than usual. This practice of cutting seeds before planting has not been done for many years, but was necessary to meet this year’s planting needs.
Arroyo noted that although some seeds were lost in the process, the overall condition of the crop was good. “The plantings are generally very healthy, growing at a steady pace despite cooler than desired temperatures,” he said. However, isolated thunderstorms affected a few areas, but this was the exception rather than the rule.
Expected reduction in cultivated area
Official data on the exact area under potato cultivation will be available soon, but preliminary estimates suggest a reduction of around 3% compared to previous years. With this reduction, the expected total planting area will be approximately 17,000 hectares. The decline is seen as manageable in the context of broader market conditions.
Market dynamics and price forecasts
Comparative regions such as Seville and Cartagena, which also produce potatoes at this time of year, are finishing their harvest. In Seville, limited production keeps prices high: 0.60-0.70 euros per kilogram (0.64-0.75 US dollars). In contrast, prices in Castile and León are expected to start at around €0.50 per kilogram ($0.54). Arroyo is optimistic: “If we start at 0.50 euros per kilogram, it will be very interesting, especially since we do not foresee a coincidence with the Seville harvest, which caused problems in the market last year.”
Last year’s overlap between Castile and Leon and Seville led to a temporary glut in the market, leading to fears of a sharp fall in prices. Fortunately, exports to France have alleviated some of the pressure. Arroyo is confident there will be no such problems this year, partly due to shifting harvest schedules and differences in market demands in France.
Varietal preferences and harvest forecast
The first potato to be harvested will be the early Colomba variety, which is becoming increasingly popular, replacing older varieties such as Agata and Jaerla. “Colomba washes well, is preferred by packers, and produces a good harvest in a short time, making it very attractive,” Arroyo explained. Following Colomba, the Agria variety will be harvested, primarily for industrial purposes.
As the season progresses, other varieties such as Soprano, Lucinda, Cartagena, Laura and yellow-fleshed red potatoes will take center stage. These varieties have gained prominence in recent years, reflecting changes in market preferences and farming practices.
Despite initial planting delays and a slight reduction in planted area, the outlook for the potato crop in Castile and León is positive. The expected start of the harvest season promises healthy harvests and favorable market conditions, with prices expected to be attractive to farmers. This season demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the agricultural sector in the face of climate and logistics challenges.
