Compared to the surrounding countries, the Netherlands is lagging behind with the potato harvest this season. Yields are high in the main Western European growing areas. An overview.
Dutch growers are doing their best to restart the potato harvest this week. It is estimated that 20% of the potatoes entered the shed. This means that the Netherlands is far behind the countries around us. The yield is a bit of a shock for some growers.
Growers who have already reached the end of their harvest and see their stores filling up are looking for alternative storage or are trying to sell or sell their potatoes on the market. Getting trucks is a challenge.
Germany
Although the Germans do not yet have all the potatoes behind the shelves, they have made good progress with their harvesting. The dry weather allowed the clearing work to be resumed smoothly in most states. About 60% of the crops have now been harvested. Lower Saxony still needs to step up its game. The harvest was delayed there due to heavy rainfall. The consequences of the water damage are not yet clear.
The yields are large, but the surface area also increased. In North Rhine-Westphalia, yields are generally above average. Sometimes growers have to look for additional storage options. The German production forecast for 2017 is 11,3 million tons. That is 0,5 million tons more than in 2016. Traders report that they are still taking into account a further upward adjustment.
Belgium
The Belgians are less advanced. It is estimated that 40% of the potatoes have been harvested. In terms of yield, Belgians assume that it will be above the 7-year average. That won't work for De Bintje. But this will certainly happen for the Fontane, Challenger and Innovator varieties. The qualities are generally good. This also applies to the harvesting conditions.
France
Heavy rains have delayed the harvest in France. By the end of September, less than 50% of the country's main harvest would have been finished. The yields are very heterogeneous and above average, although the coastal strips do see a lower yield due to the drought in the spring.
Britain
The heavy rain last week made harvesting difficult. In some regions it is even impossible. There are quality problems: mainly rot, but also green and hollow tubers. In addition, excessive yields also lead to a bad mood. Scotland was only able to harvest 10% due to the enormous wetness. In the east, where most of the potatoes are grown, conditions are now significantly better.
Yields are above average, and many English growers are not yet concerned about the harvest. This is because they are used to being busy until Christmas. The danger of frost is also less obvious there.
Poland
In Poland there is talk of quality problems, including rot. There is still little supply, but the yields are good. The harvest is currently in full swing there and 40% is said to have been harvested by now. The yield per region varies greatly, but would not be bad. In Poland we are also experiencing growth in the area of chip potatoes; We are slowly seeing a further professionalization of cultivation there and a decrease in small growers for own use, feed potatoes and vodka distilleries.