It is still very early in the season, but growers in various growing areas in Belgium, the north of France and the south of the Netherlands are already reporting a significant drought.
It has been dry in the regions mentioned since the middle of last year. This drought has not been resolved even after the winter period. The expectation of some precipitation in the next 10 days is therefore seen as a drop in the ocean.
Effect will be visible
In Belgium, the water shortage is so great in a number of cultivation areas that the effect on the crops will be reflected in the final yield per hectare. This is provided there is a summer period. Irrigation could provide relief, but only a small part (less than 7 percent) of the Belgian potato area is eligible for this.