Tensions in the potato supply chain follow two years of overproduction

FIona Fell

“Two seasons of over supply are causing great pain for our potato growers,” states Potato Council chair Fiona Fell.

Difficult times

Twelve months ago Potato Council’s ‘Market Dynamics Report’ highlighted that 2013 year-on-year retail volume sales had fallen by 8 per cent (the equivalent of 133,000 fewer tonnes).

However, in 2014, just over 121,000 hectares were planted in again in Great Britain, a figure very similar to the year before.

“A favourable growing season in 2014 resulted in a 5.7m tonne crop, which was 3 per cent up on the previous season,” adds Mrs Fell. “By November the estimated GB stock position was the equivalent to 2 boxes per hectare (200,000 tonnes) higher than a year before.”

Great Britain can no longer utilise this level of production. “The industry has been successful in reducing supply chain waste and coupled with a drop in fresh potato consumption; this results in a new base level for production, well below what we have been used to.”

Our high stocks have been placed under further pressure by a North-West European crop of 28m tonnes, which is 4m above the five year average.

“The result is extremely uncomfortable and very challenging for our grower base,” adds Mrs Fell.

Ex-farm free-buy prices, both at home and abroad, have been weak reflecting the supply situation. The GB weekly free-buy price fell to a new season low w/e 16 Jan, hitting £77.43/t compared to £152.09/t at the same point last season. This is the lowest it has reached since Autumn 2009, and the lowest for the time of year since the 2002/03 season.

Volatility is set to continue across agriculture and contracts are an important means of managing risk.

“It’s paramount that growers work to build strong relationships with their buyers, based on trust and transparency,” notes Mrs Fell. “Although there’s been some progress with shorter chains and longer terms, contracts only work when terms are honoured by both parties.

“We encourage growers who have not had contracts honoured this season to contact their farming union (NFU, NFU Scotland , NFU Cymru) for advice and legal assistance with handling disputes. “

2015/16 season

As we head into the 2015/16 season Mrs Fell states, ““Grow what you are being asked to grow by the market. Grow what you know you can sell.”

Consumption

Changes in consumption have affected all developed nations. France, Germany and Spain have all publically reported declines in fresh consumption this year.

GB retail consumption volumes have begun to stabilise, with total fresh retail volumes rising 2 per cent (year-on-year comparison of latest quarter to 4 Jan) but are still down 2 per cent for the 52 weeks compared with the previous year.

“Arresting fresh decline requires creative and concerted efforts from all parts of the supply chain from plant breeders, through primary producers and their supply chains and associated retailers,” says Mrs Fell “Our latest collaboration is with ‘Britain’s greatest ever gymnast’ Beth Tweddle MBE.

“The famous Olympian, known for her many medal success has teamed up with Potato Council to support our ‘Cook Your Own Potatoes’ project, which aims to communicate the health benefits of potatoes to children and encourage them to cook healthy balanced meals featuring potatoes which play a key part of her intense training regime.”