'Area increase says little about yield'

The NEPG estimates still pointed to an increase at the end of May of 0,4%. Jan de Lange, board member at the VTA and NEPG, emphasizes that the final yield per hectare has a greater impact. "No matter how you look at it, the plants are simply stressed. When rain falls again, it can partly recover. However, it can also cause problems, such as deformities. In addition, you have to look at it compared to last year. We have never had such a high yield per hectare as last year. We will have to see about that this year."

British area unclear
The NEPG has not yet published the area figures per country, because the British area is still not clear and is currently based on the 5-year average. From one analysis van Boerenbusiness it turned out that there is probably a small increase in the area, but that fewer kilos are expected to be harvested.

The first trial harvests of the early varieties have now been completed. These indicate average yields and dry matter contents, although there are major differences in development. According to De Lange, the early potatoes are not in great shape and not many kilos are being added in the unirrigated plots. "The early, unrained premieres will soon die."

Problems seed potatoes
The NEPG reports quite a few problems with the emergence of the potatoes due to a lower quality of the seed potatoes. Many seed potatoes were harvested under wet conditions and the planting season was longer than normal. This causes irregular attendance. The combination with local heavy rainfall in the spring also causes poor emergence in some areas.

The NEPG also notes that drought plays a role in the vast majority of the 5 largest potato countries. It would also be dry in Poland, but local insiders report that the potatoes in the country are generally doing well. It is currently raining there and it is not as hot as it was before.

Drought England
It is also dry on the other side of the North Sea. Not only in England, but also in Scotland and Ireland. Potato crops are reported to be in poor condition. According to ADHB, smaller tuber sizes are being reported in England and smaller yields are expected. Good quality Agria and Marquis are currently going to England.

It is very warm in the east of England, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. It is also dry and the irrigation systems are in full use. The growth of potatoes on non-irrigated plots has even come to a standstill in some places. Because the potatoes were planted late, they are extra sensitive to drought. It is also dry in the west of England, while it rained in the south of England last week.

Extremes in Ireland
It is cooler in Scotland, but crops are also under pressure there. Significantly lower potato yields are expected in Ireland. The potato growers' organization (IFA) says that this is due to the cold winter, followed by the extreme heat and drought. That is why the organization is concerned about the upcoming harvest and expects higher potato prices.

Drought prevails in Germany and Belgium. In France the situation is slightly more complex. There is clearly a precipitation deficit in the northwest of France. However, sufficient rain has fallen in other parts of France.

Ask about old harvest
Due to the weather conditions, the ask for old harvest strongly attracted. The result is sharply rising prices for the good-baking varieties. While the batches that were previously very doubtful are now suddenly eligible for processing again.The red dots indicate where there is a precipitation shortage. - Source: Basf France