NEPG: Belgium sets another acreage record

The NEPG, North-western European Potato Growers, also expects Belgium to achieve the largest growth in area for the 2017/2018 season. According to an initial estimate, this growth is 5,4 percent. The average for the EU-5 is 3,6 percent compared to last season.

The Belgian potato world continues to amaze and delivers record after record. Compared to the five-year average, the country represents an area increase of 21 percent. That is considerably more than the average of 7,2 percent for the entire EU-5. The total production and yield per hectare are also significantly higher. Especially when compared to the 2016 harvest.

Largest acreage since 2012
For the Netherlands, NEPG expects an area increase of 2,5 percent to a total of 74.620 hectares of ware potatoes. That is the smallest increase in acreage compared to the 5 largest potato countries. In Germany the expected area increase is 3 percent, in the United Kingdom 3,4 percent and in France 4 percent. The Belgian figures therefore stand out in all respects. The total European consumption area of ​​the EU-5 amounts to 572.485 hectares. The largest acreage since 2012.

Seed potato shortage
The growth could have been even greater. However, a shortage of certified seed potatoes prevents this. Only in Great Britain is there no seed potato shortage. The NEPG points out that the total harvest is less dependent on the area, but mainly on the growing season. A possibly lower yield per hectare is expected due to a larger area of ​​old chip varieties, such as Bintje, and more cut seed potatoes.

An estimate of yield is just looking at coffee grounds. NEPG expects the highest yield in the Netherlands: 52 tons per hectare. Belgium is just below this with 51,3 tons/ha. That equates to a total harvest of 3,8 million tons and 4,9 million tons in total.

Paws on track
All early chips potatoes are now in the ground. Planting of the main crop is in full swing in the 5 countries and is on schedule. The structure is averagely good. However, the conditions in all countries are relatively dry. In about 3 months, the NEPG expects the first early potatoes for processing.

According to the potato organization, Western European consumption potato cultivation is fueled by sky-high processing figures. The Belgian processing industry invested approximately 2016 million euros in 310. That is more than in 2014 and 2015 combined. Last year, according to figures from Belgapom, 4,4 million tons of potatoes were processed. An increase of 11 percent compared to 2015. Factories demand more. Growers plant more. They are being held back this season by the seed potato scarcity.

Area development of the EU-5 according to NEPG figures.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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