While the Netherlands is under the spell of snow, potatoes are already being planted elsewhere. This is the case, for example, in northern Spain, on the island of Jersey and in Cornwall.
These are the areas where early potatoes are usually grown for the table market. In addition, it does not involve large quantities, which limits the influence on the potato market to a little bit of mood-making. Nevertheless, this heralds the start of the new growing season.
AHDB Potato reports that potatoes are being planted in abundance in Cornwall. However, the government agency also says progress is being hampered somewhat by the colder and wetter weather. Early potato planting has also started on the island of Jersey (near the French coast, near Normandy), and progress appears to be good. For years, potato planting has started extremely early on the island.
Spain
Planting of early potatoes has also started in the southernmost point of Spain. This mainly concerns the area around Andalusia. This region also has a relatively large potato area: more than 10.000 hectares.
However, the first potatoes also go into the ground in February in the north of Spain (Castile and Leon). This also concerns a large area, namely approximately 19.000 hectares. The area is expected to increase even further in both provinces in 2019.
In the Netherlands, the first potatoes usually go into the ground around February/March. This often happens first in Tholen (Zeeland).