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Challenges and trends in the Spanish potato market
Spain
Wednesday 20 March 2024
VU
The FEPEX Potato Committee expressed concern about the shortage of seed potatoes, which could affect the area under cultivation, and the increasing difficulties in crop protection. The importance of finding technological solutions before banning available means of protection was highlighted.(photo: elblogdegastromadrid.com)
The Potato Committee of the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruit, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX) met in Madrid to evaluate the market situation, focusing on the alarming growth of imports, especially from Egypt, which have increased by a staggering 2,100% in the last five years. In addition, the decline in consumption and the shortage of phytosanitary products were discussed.
The Committee is made up of the National Association of Fruit and Potato Production and Trade (ASONAL), the Spanish Association of Seed Potato Producers (APPSE), the Iberian Club of Potato Professionals (CIPP), the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producing and Exporting Companies of Andalusia and Extremadura (ASOCIAFRUIT) and the Association of Potato Origin Operators of Castile and Leon (ASOPOCYL).
Potato imports into Spain have grown by 30% in volume and 60% in value over the last five years, reaching one million tonnes and 472 million euros respectively. Egypt's entry into the Spanish market has been significant, rising from 2,463 tonnes in 2019 to 50,488 tonnes in 2023, with an increase of 1,958% in volume and 2100% in value. Meanwhile, France has consolidated its position as a leading EU supplier, with a 29% increase in imports in the last five years.
On the other hand, Spanish potato exports have also grown, reaching 390,696 tonnes in 2023, 28% more than five years ago, with a value of 205 million euros. Portugal is the main destination for these exports.
The Committee expressed concern about the shortage of seed potatoes, which could affect the area under cultivation, and the increasing difficulties in crop protection. The importance of finding technological solutions before banning available means of protection was stressed.
In terms of consumption, there is a downward trend, with a reduction of 11.7% in per capita household consumption over the last five years.
The Committee also called for the potato sector to be included in the sectoral interventions of the National Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy, in order to establish producer organisations and operational programmes.
fuente: fepex.es
