Seed potatoes are available, but the rush to buy them has not yet begun 0 15

She noted that potato planting will begin in about a month, with the earliest time for planting seed potatoes being the end of April.

Kraukle explained that the soil must warm up to at least +7…+9 degrees for planting.

After last year's wet weather, there were concerns in the union that potatoes would not store well; however, according to her, those tubers that did not rot in the fall have stored well until spring.

The chairwoman of the union noted that sorting and certification of seed potatoes is currently underway.

At the same time, the price of seed potatoes has not changed significantly this year — it has increased by about 5% compared to last year.

According to her, the rise in fuel prices has not yet affected the cost of seed potatoes.

Kraukle suggested that this year, as in previous years, some producers may plant uncertified seed-sized potatoes, adding that for potatoes to be considered seed, they must be certified.

She also noted that producers try new varieties every year, but mainly grow proven ones, such as "Vineta."

The Union of Potato Growers and Processors is a registered association established in 1997, aimed at uniting potato producers and processors, coordinating their activities to protect common interests, developing cooperation, the market, and the domestic market, as well as representing the interests of its members in relations with government and other institutions in Latvia and abroad.