European farmers face crisis

It’s not always easy being a produce farmer – mainly because there are so many factors beyond the farmer’s control, writes Andre Erasmus. We all know this, and usually the problems are weather, crop disease and fluctuating market prices. These are all problems farmers have adapted to and, despite all hardships and obstacles thrown their way, they have managed to make a decent life for themselves. And there are more problems, especially for potato farmers. Large potato crops this season have made for low prices in Europe. Speciality potatoes, which usually command premium prices, have also been hit by this year’s glut of product. “We are living through a very difficult season this year,” said Gerald Lemaire of international potato traders Lucas Lemaire in France. “Prices are very low due to big yields in Europe.” More