The fear of the potato shortage in Cyprus is real. In this piece, we will look briefly at the issue and how it analyze it and address it.
Table of Contents
What Is The Cyprus Potato Shortage Issue
Potatoes are a worldwide staple food. Everyone in every country eats potatoes in one meal or another. It is therefore a very important crop to grow in every country on the planet. Cyprus potato crops may be in jeopardy of thriving this year because of a series of frost waves which have hit the crop hard. One frost might damage some crops but a series of frosts can kill the plant before it can recover. Retired pensioner turned potato farmer, Avraam Venizelos, estimates that 70% of his crops could be lost due to the frost wave. Venizelos, like other potatoes could be facing the same potato shortage situation.
Impact On Cyprus
The impact of a potato shortage on the country would be very troubling. Some estimates are that up to 70% of aggregate potato production in Cyprus is destroyed and fears are that whatever is left will be subpar and of inferior quality. This means that the people of Cyprus will have to either turn to other crops which can be used as substitute thus driving up the costs of those products or try to import potatoes from other countries with a surplus to export. The problem will drive up the average cost of potatoes regardless of which approach is used.
Global Implications
If you’re living in Canada, the USA or in Europe, there could be potato shortage ripple effects felt in your country. If the situation is widespread in Cyprus, and their government makes appeals to get from other countries either as foreign aid or foreign exports, that means that potatoes in your country could go up in price. The current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the involvement of Western countries could only exacerbate the supply chain woes.
Impact On You
The impact on of a potato shortage on you is that you should expect to see higher prices for potatoes and potato related products later on this year and possibly going in to early next year. The one to make the most profit off the situation will be the exporters and importers followed by the middlemen such as distributors and grocers. Given that the cost of everything is on the rise, you may have to make hard choices with potatoes.
How To Mitigate
There is a simple solution that can help local communities mitigate the potential risk. People just need to grow their own potatoes this year. Even if you suck at growing, if you’re able to grow some extra potatoes in containers, or in your backyard, you will be better off. If you get enough people in the neighbourhood to do it, then you can mitigate this risk of potato shortages impacting your community significantly.
The fact is the issue could impact your community, your state, or even your entire country. However, it is not whether or not the issue will impact you but how best you can minimize the pain or disruption that will be caused by the impact. This is especially so since you’re already paying a high price for gas, which you have little or no power to impact other than driving less.
You and your community do have some power with potatoes. If you can get them, get them into soil, and grow them, then you can take control of the situation.
If you have friends or family in Cyprus or anywhere in the world concerned about food, then share this article with them and get them thinking. Until next time, continue to learn and grow.
