It is now becoming increasingly clear that the Polish potato yield is significantly lower. Earlier forecasts from the Polish Economic Institute of Agriculture (IERGZ) have been further reduced.
New figures from the ministry show that potato yields in Poland are about 20% lower than last year. This brings the expected yield to 7,4 million tons, while 9,2 million tons of potatoes were harvested last year.
The IERGZ estimated the yield earlier still at 8,5 million tons. So it seems that yields are being reduced further and further as the harvest progresses. The 7,4 million tons mentioned would be harvested from about 300.000 hectares, not including 'small home crops'.
'Institute is too positive'
However, insiders estimate the potato harvest to be even lower. They expect that the harvest will not exceed 6,5 million tons. The processing involves many problem parties. In addition, the price is not yet extremely high at the moment.
On average, the price is around €20 per tonne, but more is paid here and there. This is mainly due to the fact that the supply of potatoes from the field is still good. On the other hand, the large growers with storage options are not yet selling.
Unfavorable weather
The drought in the country is still a major problem, including for potatoes. There have been a number of cold nights, it is getting cooler and there are more showers.