Vegetable prices in Latvia are growing; local potatoes bought up by Russians

In January 2011, the prices of vegetables in Latvia increased rapidly, and due to the activity of Russian buyers the supply of local potatoes is dwindling, experts inform the business information portal Nozare.lv. Head of the Agricultural Market Promotion Center, Inguna Gulbe, pointed out that in January supplier prices for cabbage increased 33% from December, potatoes 18%, carrots 13%, reaching 28, 20 and 18 santims per kilogram respectively. In January, supplier prices for potatoes, cabbage and beet were two times higher than a year ago. The prices for carrots and onions were 50% higher, writes LETA. The largest price increase, compared to December, was registered for potatoes on Riga markets 32%, informed Gulbe.
"In Latvia, as well as in other Baltic states, the prices of vegetables have substantially increased due to the limited supply, since hot weather and the excessive humidity in July affected the quality and the quantity of the harvest," said Gulbe. Maxima Latvija's press secretary Ivars Andins informed that several vegetable suppliers have already warned that their supplies are dwindling due to strong demand from Russia. "Of course, there will still be vegetables at the stores, however, these will not be local products, which are demanded the most," said Andins. Rimi Latvia Senior PR Specialist Dace Valnere pointed out that currently it is still possible to buy local vegetables beet, carrots, potatoes, turnips, pumpkins, radishes and onions in the stores, however, their supply is decreasing and prices growing.
Chairman of potato and beet producer Baldones lauki, Ivars Pundins, forecast that the price for potatoes will dramatically increase in spring. "Everything is being sold. We sold 15% of our potatoes to Russian buyers, however, I know farms that sold 70 to 100% of their potatoes. The offer was very good 23 to 25 santims per kilogram, while stores offered to pay 20 santims. The buyers will have to choose between rice and buckwheat or wait until new potatoes from Israel or Marocco arrive. Local potatoes will cost at least 30 santims per kilogram in spring," said Pundins.