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Potato Market Struggles with Oversupply and Low Prices

Oversupply and favorable growing conditions have driven potato prices down. Farmers struggle to sell, but innovative trading platforms offer some relief.

This is an outside view. On the left side there are many vegetables like capsicum, tomatoes,...
This is an outside view. On the left side there are many vegetables like capsicum, tomatoes, potatoes and many other. It seems to be a vegetable market. On the right side there are few people standing on the ground and people are walking. In the background there are some trees and buildings.

Potato Market Struggles with Oversupply and Low Prices

The stock market is facing a challenging time, with oversupply leading to weak demand and low prices. Bart Keizers, founder of agricultural trading app FarmTrade, shares his insights on the current state and future outlook of the stock market.

FarmTrade has witnessed a significant increase in stock offers since late February, with a notable acceleration in May and June. This surge is due to high harvest volumes and favorable growing conditions this year, according to Keizers. The situation is particularly acute in the Netherlands, where free market prices for table potatoes have plummeted to about 5 cents per kilogram or less, leaving large quantities unsold.

The platform connects farmers and buyers, potentially helping farmers secure slightly better prices or terms. However, the current oversupply has led to a supply-demand mismatch, with more stocks available than buyers can absorb. This has put pressure on prices and made it difficult for farmers to sell their produce. Keizers encourages farmers to consider contract-free production and direct sales to mitigate risks in poor years.

The stock market is expected to remain challenging in the short term, with oversupply and weak demand likely to persist. FarmTrade is working to connect farmers and buyers, but the current market conditions present significant obstacles. Keizers advises farmers to explore alternative production and sales strategies to navigate these difficult times.

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