The agricultural sector in Salta has been hit hard by recent heavy rains, causing a severe disruption in potato production and distribution. Prices for potatoes have surged to between ARS 12,000 and 13,000 (USD 34 to 36) per bag as a result of limited availability. According to Jorge Primucci, the new president of the Cofruthos Market, this price hike is expected to be temporary, with conditions improving as fresh supplies from Jujuy begin to enter the market.
Impact of Weather on Potato Production
Salta’s potato farmers have faced particularly challenging weather conditions in recent weeks, with rainstorms making fields inaccessible and slowing down the harvest. Potatoes, a staple in Argentina’s agriculture, are grown in vast quantities across regions like Salta, Tucumán, and Jujuy. When rains hit these areas, particularly in the early stages of the harvest, they can make it impossible for farmers to access their fields due to muddy conditions. This lack of availability pushes up prices rapidly in local markets.
Jorge Primucci explained that while weather always plays a role in influencing prices, the current increase is a direct result of the rain’s impact on harvest timing. “Rain always affects the price a bit, but it’s just a matter of days. As soon as we have more availability, the prices will adjust,” Primucci said. He predicts that the upcoming harvest from Jujuy, expected to arrive in the next few days, will help stabilize the market and bring prices back to normal levels.
Temporary Market Disruptions
Despite the price surge, Primucci emphasized that the situation should resolve quickly. He urged consumers to wait for prices to drop, saying that these fluctuations are short-term and should stabilize once more potatoes are available. “When products reach excessive prices, I always recommend that clients wait it out—prices will return to normal within a day or two,” he stated.
While the current focus is on potato prices, Primucci noted that no significant price increases have been observed for other fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, which had seen a price rise earlier, have now stabilized at ARS 15,000 (USD 42) per crate. This demonstrates the natural ebb and flow of agricultural markets, driven by production availability and weather conditions.
Sector Resilience and Future Outlook
Despite the challenges posed by weather and fluctuating prices, Primucci expressed optimism about the future. “We have good expectations for the rest of the year, with stable prices and steady production,” he said. The incoming harvests from Jujuy and Tucumán should ease the current supply issues, allowing prices to return to more affordable levels.
Furthermore, the logistics of transporting goods to market have remained stable, with freight costs seeing a slight reduction following months of fuel price increases. Primucci highlighted that market operations have continued smoothly, even with the temporary shortage of potatoes.
The Cofruthos market, where Primucci recently took over as president following Enrique Del Pino’s resignation, plays a central role in managing the supply and pricing of agricultural products in Salta. The market has 310 stalls and 220 members, and despite the recent scarcity of potatoes, overall commerce has remained consistent. Primucci emphasized the importance of supply and demand in determining market prices for perishable goods. “If we don’t sell today, the value of the product drops by Monday,” he explained, underscoring the volatility of the market for fresh produce.
Patience and Market Stability on the Horizon
The recent rainfall in Salta has caused a sharp but temporary increase in potato prices. With the region relying heavily on timely harvests, weather disruptions can have an immediate impact on both farmers and consumers. However, as new supplies from neighboring provinces like Jujuy are expected to arrive soon, prices are predicted to stabilize in the coming days. Farmers and market leaders remain optimistic that conditions will improve before the end of the year, ensuring a steady flow of potatoes and other produce at reasonable prices.
