January 24 2007, 11:10

Ukraine: seed potato is in the increased demand

According to information provided by the specialists of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly journal, the demand for seed potato is growing. The producers and the suppliers report about the absence of any problems to sell potato. The demand is constantly growing; it implies the possibility of the further price growth.

The prices for seed potato have somewhat decreased comparing to the previous year. The quality potato as seed material cost up to $0.78-0.98/kg in 2006. The prices are fluctuating $0.39/kg to $0.78/kg this year depending from the variety, the reproduction and the delivery terms.

The growth of the demand for seed potato once more confirms the forecast done by the analysts of the Agricultural Marketing Project (AMP) concerning the possibility of the potato acreage extension in 2007. To the opinion of Andriy Yarmak, the Deputy Director of AMP, potato production can grow this year first of all in the central and eastern oblasts of Ukraine. The total increase of the potato production can be 2% to 4% in 2007 comparing to 2006; the further decrease of the price level is possible for this product.

The more detailed forecast of potato production and prices in 2007 will be available to the subscribers of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal in April 2007.