Latvian growers are concerned about potato storage this year due to excessive humidity during the season, said Aiga Kraukle. Moisture created favorable conditions for bacteria, and problems are already visible with tubers that were harvested immature and not properly dried.
According to Kraukle, reliable harvest forecasts are not yet possible. Yields on organic fields are nearly absent, and even conventional farms have faced flooding on part of their land. She estimates overall losses at about 20%.
Despite this, Latvia is unlikely to face shortages. The country usually exports part of its crop, and imports from neighboring countries will fill the gap. Lithuania has weaker yields, but Poland reports a stable harvest.
Prices are expected to remain stable. "Wholesalers are buying potatoes at the same prices as last year, so I don't expect significant increases," Kraukle noted.
Source: rus.lsm.lv