The Spanish seed potato sector is facing a year of challenges as the excessive rainfall since August 2024 has affected key production zones, including Palencia and Burgos. These areas, critical to the country’s seed potato production, have seen substantial spoilage due to the wet conditions, which are compromising the quality of the tubers. Although seed potatoes for the upcoming season have generally maintained appropriate sizes, there are growing concerns over the health of the tubers, with potential impacts on yields and prices in 2025.
According to agricultural consultant Fernando Alonso Arce, some seed potatoes have been harvested with excess moisture, leading to worries about the quality of planting material. The situation is particularly concerning as the regions shift from the south, where seed availability remains adequate, to the northern areas where conditions are more complicated. With the increasing uncertainty over viral diseases affecting seed potato crops, the upcoming planting season is expected to face both supply challenges and price increases.
Impact of Weather and Virosis on Seed Availability
The heavy rains across Europe have not spared key potato-growing regions, including the northern parts of France, Belgium, and southern Germany, compounding the difficulties already faced by Spanish producers. In addition to the moisture damage, viral diseases, particularly in the Netherlands, have caused additional concerns. These factors are expected to significantly reduce the availability of high-quality seed potatoes, especially varieties like Agria, a popular cultivar for both fresh and seed production. As a result, farmers will likely face higher seed prices for the 2025 growing season.
In contrast, the situation in the Netherlands appears more stable. Dutch seed producers report good yields and typical sizes, with fewer pest issues, including aphid infestation, which had severely impacted crops in 2023. This return to normal conditions in the Netherlands is expected to help meet demand in key European markets, but the overall picture in Spain remains challenging.
Demand and Price Expectations for 2025
As we approach the 2025 growing season, there is an expectation that the seed potato market will experience a price surge. The reduced availability of key varieties, coupled with an increase in demand for high-quality seed, will likely drive up prices. Companies like Europlant and Agrico have already noted a reduction in available seed size, which could affect yields and ultimately lead to higher costs for farmers. Even with the anticipated price increases, demand for seed potatoes remains strong, especially for early varieties that are essential for planting in southern Spain.
The Spanish market will also feel the ripple effects from the scarcity of seed potatoes in neighboring countries like Switzerland, which traditionally supplies seed stock similar to EU varieties. The loss of availability from these countries, combined with Brexit-related restrictions on UK seed imports, further exacerbates the pressure on the Spanish seed potato market.
The seed potato sector in Spain is facing a year of significant uncertainty. While some areas are experiencing favorable conditions, the overall market is under strain due to weather-related issues, viral diseases, and the possibility of reduced seed availability. With high demand for quality seed potatoes and a potential shortage looming, prices are expected to rise in 2025. Farmers and producers will need to plan carefully, monitor the health of their crops, and prepare for the economic impact of these challenges.
