England is drying up, irrigation is still possible

The growing season in our 'western neighbors' is one of extremes. It starts with a wet winter and a huge amount of snow in March. The 'beast from the east' was making waves. However, this ensured that the water supplies were relatively well stocked. Companies are now reaping the benefits of this.

Plant late, dig early
The planting season started late due to the cold spring. Early potatoes went into the ground 4 weeks later and were ultimately harvested 2 weeks earlier. This is due to a warm and sunny spring, with regular showers. The persistent drought has meant that crops are now having a hard time; Never before has the grain harvest started so early.

British potato growers are generally large professional companies that control the entire chain. The sorting and packaging takes place in-house and this is visible in the area development. At the beginning of the 90s, 180.000 hectares of ware potatoes were still grown, compared to 128.500 hectares in 2015. In recent years, the total area has improved somewhat. Hard figures for 2018 are not available, but it is expected that this will remain the same as 2017 (142.800 hectares) or the area will slightly exceed that.

Fish & chips
The market for chip potatoes in the United Kingdom is mainly a domestic market. Growers themselves supply the many shops with fish & chips, which usually cut fresh chips themselves. Frozen product is imported from the continent. McCain does have a chip factory in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and a total of 4 locations in the country. When the country experiences a scarcity, this is clearly noticeable in Western Europe.

The 'England Year 2012' is known to many (free) potato growers. Due to logistical advantages, the country buys most of its potatoes in Belgium and Northern France, and only then is it the turn of the Netherlands. Experience is that it is often difficult to trade with the British. They may be known as gentlemen, but not when it comes to payment and correct handling. They are looking for the best options. Good quality coarse Agria is particularly popular.

(Text continues below the photo)This plot of Agrias in East England still looks fresh after 7 irrigations.

Lots of irrigation
Since cultivation has become highly professionalized, a relatively large amount of water can be irrigated with reels and pivots. About 50% of the total area is under irrigation. That is relatively high compared to the other EU-5 countries. British potato growers in eastern England fear an irrigation ban. There are now restrictions locally. This opportunity exists especially in the polder area The Fens, where a lot of surface water is used for irrigation. In dry Suffolk and Norfolk, growers have their own water basins.

However, water supplier Anglian Water is late know that a ban is not possible. On a voluntary basis, people are asked not to irrigate during the day. After the wet winter, the reservoirs are well filled, even above average. An irrigation ban only applies in the northwest of England and Northern Ireland. Only a little rain fell in Scotland. In many parts, even the wet west, there is a heat wave.

30% less yield
Despite the irrigation, crops in places in the east, west and south are beginning to suffer significantly. Scab is a growing and serious problem because a clear skin is required on table potatoes. The length is also lacking, which increases the demand for large potatoes. Trial harvests for the main harvest show a yield that is 25% to 35% below average. In the south the first early chip potatoes are being harvested; about 2 to 3 weeks later than normal.

Due to the low yields and quality problems (scab and little dry matter), people mainly fear for the main harvest. The supply of new harvest is minimal. After the good harvest of 2017, the trade is almost entirely made up of old potatoes. This is slightly on the rise due to drought, but it actually fell sharply during June. Currently, around €18 per 100 kilos are paid for sorted and bagged chip potatoes, according to the AHDB price monitor.A late planted plot of Maris Piper. With open ridges, the ground warms up enormously.