It is known that early potatoes in Belgium have a low yield this year. However, the main crop is not without problems either.
The main crop still has time to grow. An average yield is currently assumed, but the quality leaves much to be desired. For example, the number is high, but weight, size and length are low. This can cause problems in processing.
Issues with flushing
Because rain fell after the drought, growth sometimes occurred. This is mainly observed in Bintje, but also occurs in new varieties such as Fontane, Challenger, Markies and Innovator. Washing can have consequences for processing. PCA's first trial harvest confirms this picture.
Trial harvests
In general, the crops remain green and healthy with slight signs of aging. The trial harvests will provide more clarity about this. On Thursday, July 27, PCA presented its samples.
Bintje's average gross yield was 26 tons per hectare, with a range between 15 and 32 tons. 4 plots exceeded 30 tons, 2 plots remained below 20 tons.
Things are looking only slightly better at Fontane at the moment. The average gross/yield was 27 tons per hectare, with a range between 17 and 35 tons per hectare.