The total Belgian potato harvest in 2017, which is estimated at 5,1 million tons, is a record. What does that mean?
Over the 5-year average, the potato harvest is no less than 33% higher. This is the result of an increase in the area (95.300 hectares compared to 91.500 hectares in 2016, 79.500 hectares in 2015, 81.500 hectares in 2014 and 76.200 hectares in 2013) and the exceptionally good growing conditions.
The average hectare yield for 2017 is 53,7 tons; more than 10 tons more than in 2016. In terms of average hectare yield, the peak year 2014 (57,1 tons per hectare) will not be achieved (average over the years 2012 to 2016 is 49,5 tons per hectare).
Shift of races
Another aspect of a potato harvest above 5 million tons is the shift in varieties. For example, the Fontane variety produces considerably more kilos per hectare, compared to the Bintje variety. The total Bintje harvest 2017 is 20% (1,12 million) of the total harvest. Although this is more than last season, it is 22% less than the 5-year average.
The current stock (as of November 1) amounts to almost 3,9 million tons, 500.000 tons more than in the comparable (poor) year 2014 in terms of market price development. Of the current stock (3,9 million tons), 2,2 million tons are contracted, 1,67 million tons can still be traded freely, which is a very bad thing for growers given the current market price development.