February 2 2011, 12:40 Fruit-Inform

Will Ukraine have record-breaking seed potato imports again?

Fruit-Inform Project conducts the study of the market development prospects for the nearest months and the new season as a part of preparation for the third international conference “Potato and Vegetables of Ukraine-2011”. Preliminary results of the study show that the interest to commercial production of high-quality potatoes remains very high in Ukraine. However, problems with seed material may arise in this season, as climate conditions of 2010 led to decrease of production and quality of produce.

High demand for high-quality seed potatoes was observed last year too that led to increase of imports by 46% comparatively with 2009. As to 2011, we expect even greater growth of seed potato imports due to domestic seed potato price growth.

Currently prices for original seed potatoes of Dutch selection grown in Ukraine vary within UAH 5-10/kg (EUR 0.46-0.92/kg) depending on variety and supplier.

More detailed information on seed potato import prospects and early and late potato production and price forecast for the new season will be presented during the third international conference “Potato and Vegetables of Ukraine-2011”.

Participation in the conference was already confirmed by many leading vegetable and potato producers of Ukraine, as well as major suppliers of seeds, materials, machinery and equipment for growing, storage and post-harvest handling of produce.

The conference is to take place at Shuvar wholesale market, Lvov, Ukraine, February 24-25, 2011. On-line registration is available through this link.