Official figures on the Polish potato harvest of 2017 underline the expectations that were made earlier. Despite a difficult start to the growing season, the crops have developed well. The first numbers show a new record for the country.
The Polish Central Statistical Office estimates the area for 2017 at 320.000 hectares. An increase of 2,7% on 2016. At that time, 311.620 hectares were planted. If we look at 2015, the area is even 20.000 hectares higher. That doesn't say much about the final total yield. In 2011, more than 400.000 were planted.
Significantly more kilos
The start of the season was difficult for Polish arable farmers. We previously described how this went in an extensive analysis. Rain ultimately led to good harvest expectations. The Polish agricultural institute IERIGZ estimates the hectare yield at an average of 29 tons per hectare. Good for 9,28 million tons of potatoes. This represents an increase of 4,6% on 2016, when 8,87 million tons were harvested. In 2015 this was 'only' 6,31 million tons.
Prices decline
Much depends on the August weeks. Rain, followed by extreme heat, brings with it the risk of phytophthora, but this has not yet been reported to a large extent. The good harvest expectations also have an effect on prices. For growers, this is currently between €3,90 and €9,40 per 100 kilos. In Northern Poland the price is slightly higher. Low prices are recorded especially in central Poland.