Spain (Salamanca): The next destination for local potatoes is Portugal
Next week they will begin exporting red varieties to the neighboring country, although the price remains low.
The potato campaign in Salamanca is receiving a boost with the start of purchases from Portugal, which, as in previous years, is seeking red varieties in this region. Shipments are expected to begin next week. There is growing optimism due to the increasing interest in finalizing deals, as buyers have started calling to inquire about prices , something that has been almost nonexistent until now. However, significant activity is unlikely to begin until after the August holidays, a period typically dedicated to rest, with prices not motivating activity at this time.
The few potatoes harvested in Salamanca are selling for between 15 and 20 cents per kilo, though closer to the lower end. Strong competition from other regions like Seville, with abundant potato reserves, is limiting demand. Meanwhile, Toledo is finishing its season, which could reduce the market supply soon.
In Salamanca, the harvest of sour potatoes has begun, and their price is showing a slight improvement. The drought in Europe introduces some uncertainty regarding its impact on Spanish production, although the price for the processing industry is already showing signs of increasing.
With potatoes still in the fields, farmers are also concerned about diseases. The Agrarian Technological Institute of Castile and León (ITACyL) has reported an increase in the incidence of early blight (or Alternaria) in advanced crops and recommends constant monitoring of the fields.
The Price Observatory of Castile and León has set the price for potatoes in Valladolid at €27.50 per 100 kilos, while in Salamanca, due to the slow harvest, official prices are not yet available. Farmers in Salamanca are facing disappointment after a cereal season with unsatisfactory prices and low production, now compounded by this cautious start to the potato season.
Fuente: lagacetadesalamanca.es
