Dutch potato breeding company HZPC is expecting a drop in its seed potato sales this year due to the war in Ukraine, a May 5 news release says.
HZPC predicts the volume of seed potato sales to be just above 900,000 tons, which is the same as last year. This prediction has fallen by one per cent from the second quarter estimate — the drop in sales is largely caused by the war in Ukraine.
The release notes HZPC usually delivers seed potatoes to Ukraine and while this year orders were placed only a limited amount was been delivered with the majority being cancelled. While HZPC has stated its support of Ukraine most deliveries to Russia have continued.
“Potatoes are an important food crop. Seeds and seedlings are an irreplaceable start to all food productions. As such, they are a requirement for food security. This is essential for political and economic stability and the well-being of people all over the world,” the release says.
Gerard Backx, HZPC’s CEO, says in the release that due to the higher prices of other major agricultural products, it has been clear European growers are somewhat reluctant to plant potatoes this year.
“Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, sales of seed potatoes in Europe have been stagnant. Nearly no additional sales have been realized or the additional sales compensating for cancelled orders,” he explains. “In normal years we always realize a few percent of the European sales in the months of March and April. Those are missing this year.”
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