What the British potato acreage will do comes as no surprise to many. After years of decline, new developments are taking place. What is special is that a major shortage of seed potatoes on the island was eventually resolved successfully.
AHDB Potato, the British potato organization, announced the first forecast for the potato area on Monday 26 June. That amounts to 121.000 hectares. This brings the total area of potatoes in the United Kingdom to the same level as in 2014. Since 2015, cultivation has been on the rise again.
Area finds way up
The British potato acreage shows a downward trend in the long term. From 135.000 (2007) to a low of 110.000 hectares in 2015. Last year, however, it climbed again slightly. Due to the good prices of the 2016/2017 season, arable farmers have again planted more this year. About 4% according to a first estimate. AHDB Potato had already made that forecast earlier and NEPG also focused on growth. At 3,4% they were slightly more moderate.
Seed potato scarcity solved
Last year the acreage amounted to 116.000 hectares. This means that the growth for next season is being rehearsed. That is quite special, as the UK has imported 57% less seed potatoes from Europe. Simply because the volume was not available. Seed potato prices rose to €1.000 per ton, AHDB says. The shortage has been supplemented with more potatoes from Scotland. The country had a good harvest due to a mild growing season.
8 percent more product?
If we assume an average harvest, the 121.000 hectares are good for a total harvest of 5,4 million tonnes in the UK. An increase of 4% compared to 2016. However, that average includes the dramatic year 2012. If this is not taken into account, the 2017 harvest is good for 5,6 million tons. A plus of 8%. However, an average is just an average. The spread can be somewhere between -14 and +13%, compared to 2016. A yield of 43,1 ton/ha is needed to prevent the total production from falling compared to last year. Only in 2012 did the hectare yield drop by 36,9 tons/ha. Average is 46,7 tons/ha.
Well washed
Also on the British island, growers had to deal with high temperatures last week. However, this does not lead to major problems. Irrigation used where possible. According to the potato information service, the crops are in very good condition. Especially in the east of England. Early table potatoes are currently being harvested. The yields are around 30 tons/ha.