Trial harvesting by VTA for consumption potatoes confirms the expectations of potato-growing Netherlands. The growers' association calculates that the yield is 20% lower than in 2017. Compared to the 5-year average, this is a decrease of 16%.
In mid-August, VTA members will have a trial harvesting in consumption potatoes. This is done by a permanent group of growers who have been taking samples since 2001. In this way, VTA hopes to create a representative image. The average result of all samples is 36,42 tons per hectare, compared to 46,43 tons last year. That is a decrease of 20%.
Huge spread
Compared to the 5-year average, the difference is smaller (16,1%). The spread in individual returns is striking. The best plot was at 61 tons per hectare in mid-August, while the worst plot did not even touch 10 tons per hectare. In addition to drought, water damage (last spring) also resulted in lower yields.
Just over half of the tubers grew in size 50 millimeters upwards. That was still 61% last year. The 5-year average is 57%. The tuber number is equal to the average. A number of participants also mentioned wastage. Potential regrowth is assessed as very different.
All breeds undersized
All chip varieties achieve a lower result compared to the average. Innovator performs best in terms of figures, with an average of 40,21 tons per hectare. In second place 2 is Agria (36 tons per hectare) and in 3rd place is Ramos (35,40 tons per hectare).
The other chip varieties sampled are slightly above this. The table potato varieties sampled amount to 37,67 tons per hectare. There is no single variety that makes the cut, although it is perhaps striking that Fontane does not exceed 1 tons per hectare. This was still 33 tons last year.