The potato market is quite volatile, Dirk knows: “A few years ago, he believes, the price for a kilo of potatoes was higher than ever. But due to an accumulation of problems, the situation has quickly become dire for growers.
“Because the price was so good, more people started growing potatoes,” says Jasper Roubos, chairman of the Consumer Potato Producers’ Organization (POC). “And it was a good season, so relatively large amounts were harvested.”
Potato cultivation discovered by Chinese, Indian and Egyptian growers
And so a surplus soon arose in Western Europe. But something else also happened, says Roubos. According to him, Chinese, Indian and Egyptian growers have discovered the potato market since last year. Dirk: “And it’s just like with electric cars: they are cheaper.”
Finally, oil prices are now historically high due to the situation in the Middle East. Roubos: “That makes transport expensive.” And not only that: “Fertilizer is also made with oil,” says Dirk.
It’s not just Dirk who has problems, a tour by NH of potato farmers from across the province shows that farmers are giving away potatoes or are left with stocks.
Tax breaks for farmers
Despite the setback, Dirk can’t even think about quitting. “I count on the growers who came in later to get out again. Moreover, I think it is a moral duty to grow potatoes for people here on this very fertile clay soil.”
He does have a tip for the government to help farmers like himself: “We have all kinds of letterbox companies in the Netherlands with tax benefits. It would help farmers like myself if we could offset good and bad years.”
