Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
As to expert's opinion, Ukraine will inevitably face shortage of potatoes
According to Ivan Tomich, Chairman of Union of Agricultural cooperatives of Ukraine, this year, Ukraine will harvest enough potatoes, but it will be impossible to store produce during winter months due to its bad quality.
“Volume of production is not important, whether it will be 12 or 14 mln. tonnes. Anyway, shortage is inevitable. Price for potatoes will not be less than UAH 6/kg (EUR 0.58/kg) in October. This is a result of shortage. In any case, potatoes will have to be supplied from Belarus, Netherlands and Egypt to create a clear balance between interests of consumers and producers”, - I. Tomich explained.
According to him, Ukraine will purchase potatoes in those countries due to their low price and availability of varieties that are traditional for Ukrainians. Their potatoes' taste and colour do not practically differ from Ukrainian ones. This concerns also potatoes from Netherlands that are even cheaper than Belarusian ones.
Maria Kolesnik from consulting company “AAA” has other opinion. According to her, production volumes will be enough for Ukrainians, even when accounting reserves for sowing season and a fact that 20% of production to be spoiled in storages.
“Yes, potatoes are of bad quality, but we shouldn't create a panic. Panic emerged because of Russia's not having enough of vegetables and starting massive purchases them in Ukraine. There will be no shortage. Ukraine will just not export potatoes. Price will not be higher than UAH 6/kg (EUR 0.58/kg) till the end of the year”, - M. Kolesnik thinks.