The regrowth in the French fries potatoes is also disappointing in Belgium, according to the new trial harvesting figures. In 2017, this resulted in an enormous potato yield. The yield improved slightly in 4 weeks, but that does not change the dire situation.
New trial harvesting figures (week 38), among others from trading house Bruwier, show that the regrowth is also disappointing in our southern neighbors. During September there was some growth, but a steep growth curve (like in 2017) is not visible. This is 2 to 3 tons per hectare, depending on the variety. With a maximum of 1 to 2 weeks of growth remaining, the balance can be drawn up.
The spread in tons is very large: 50 tons per hectare. Compared to the multi-year average, the yield of Fontane is 20% lower in Belgium. Looking at 2017, when nearly 60 tons were finally harvested, the difference (30%) is even greater. For Bintje, the difference is almost 30%. This means that a 25% lower yield in Belgium is a realistic estimate.
Wallonia
The question is to what extent this has a predictive value for the French fries potato crops that grow across the border in northern France. For the time being, the yield there is estimated to be relatively positive, compared to neighboring countries. We know from the Belgian figures that the yield in the southern cultivation areas (Wallonia) is more disappointing, partly due to a lack of precipitation. It is plausible that also in France the yield is lower than some figures would have you believe.
The test harvesting figures of Aviko Potato to show that image for the Netherlands. It is true that the yields are higher there, but it concerns gross kilos. Regrowth in September was limited to a few tons.
Yield EU-5
In mid-September, the NEPG published their harvest forecast for the EU-5. That amounts to just under 24 million tons. These figures are viewed with suspicion within the sector feel viewed. It means that the 2018 harvest is above the 2012 level. Then 22,5 million tons were harvested. However, the acreage was then 90.000 hectares smaller. The industry also processed less potatoes at the time.
At the Weuthen Kartoffeltag (in August), director Ferdi Buffen said that he expects a harvest of 20 million to 22 million tons. When asked, he says that this estimate has now been adjusted slightly upwards: 21 million to 23 million tons. Favorable weather conditions in the United Kingdom would have contributed to a slight change in the situation.
through washing
Buffen agrees that relatively little regrowth took place in September. Compared to the Netherlands, the situation in Belgium and Germany is slightly more positive, but still at a low level. A distinction must also be made between Bintje and high-yielding French fries varieties such as Fontane.
What can also change the situation is the presence of the glassy wash tubers. There won't be anything to say about this until the end of November. NEPG notes in their press release that through washing is currently prevalent across the EU-5.
If you add up the current yield figures, with the currently available data, you arrive at an EU-5 yield of 23 million tons. The final figure is most likely below that. At least not above it; especially if the quality (glass) is included.
Poland
It is also interesting to see how the situation in Poland is developing. The acreage has decreased by 30.000 hectares this year; especially table potatoes, because the cultivation of chips potato has remained stable. Figures from the statistical office do not give a complete picture of the situation.
The north and east of the country has a harvest that is 10% to 15% lower than the average. In the west and southwest, however, it is 25% or more. The predicted harvest of 8,5 million tons could thus come to 6,5 million tons, insiders estimate.