The Andalusian early potato campaign has kicked off with reports of a good-quality harvest, despite reduced volumes.

Showers in January and February resulted in inconsistent sowing, so potatoes will be available in May and June but in smaller quantities than usual, according to the Association of Producers and Exporters of the Andalusian Early Potato.

In the Seville region, planting took place as usual but heavy rains and lower-than-usual April temperatures affected production. Also, sowing was delayed until mid-February in the regions of Cordoba and Cadiz due to water-logged fields, resulting in a shorter production cycle than usual and lower volumes.

However, the association is predicting a high-quality crop of good-sized potatoes and good skin finish, free from disease and with continuity of supply unhampered by product peaks.

The Association of Producers and Exporters of the Andalusian Early Potato aims to raise awareness of the potato among consumers, showing that it is a completely different product to the old potatoes that have been refrigerated and available in the market over the last few months.

According to the association, planted surface in the region stands at some 12,000 hectares - 75 per cent of the country’s total production. More than 80 per cent of the production is destined for the national market, and the rest is exported to the main European markets.

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