The German seed potato area is increasing further this year. Chip potato varieties are especially popular, according to the acreage figures. In Lower Saxony, the most important potato growing area, more potato growers are growing seed potatoes.
The area of seed potatoes in Germany amounts to 16.780 hectares for 2017. This represents a growth of 9% compared to 2016, when the total area was 15.400 hectares. The major potato growing states are all expanding their acreage.
Potato states are growing
In Lower Saxony, by far the largest potato producing state, the area of seed potatoes increased by almost 10%, to 6.141 hectares. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the number 2, this is almost 2.600 hectares. A plus of 8%. In Schleswig-Holstein the area increases by 12%. Good for 2.300 hectares. Lower Saxony was hit by an enormous amount of rainfall last week. This may also have an influence on the seed potato plots.
Agria popular
The chip potato variety Agria occupies 733 hectares, making it the most important variety in this segment. Only the area under Belana, a starch variety, is slightly larger at 817 hectares. In positions 3, 4 and 5 we find the varieties Gala (table segment), Kuras (starch) and Zorba (french fries). The Fontane area is just under 400 hectares. This puts it in 8th place.