Figures from the French organization UNPT show that the area for consumption potatoes in the country is lower than previously thought. This is evident from the figures compiled by UNPT and CNIPT together. How does this correction turn out?
The North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) published at the beginning of this month a growth of 3% in the French acreage. That is more than the average in the EU-4 (excluding the United Kingdom). The average is 2,4%.
New figures
The UNPT and CNIPT now publish figures regarding the surface area of consumption potatoes. This amounts (according to a latest estimate) to a growth of 2,1% in the country, which is an expansion of 3.114 hectares (instead of 4.450 hectares). These figures come from our own members, supplemented by Agreste. This brings the consumption potato area to 148.290 hectares this year.
The Hauts-de-France region is mainly responsible for the growth. This is because 65% of all consumption potatoes are grown in the departments of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. The area here will increase by 2.250 hectares. All chip manufacturers are active here to contract potatoes.
The current area figure is virtually the same as the situation in 2006. It is not a record, because in 2019, consumption potatoes were grown on approximately 151.800 hectares. In 1996 this was even just over 152.000 hectares. In 2012, a low of 116.500 hectares was reached.
Chip potato cultivation dominates
In the Champagne-Ardennes table potato region, the area with consumption potatoes remains stable. In Ile de France it increased by 2,8% and in Brittany by 2,2%. However, these departments have smaller cultivation. In Nord-Pas-de-Calais this concerns over 55.000 hectares of potatoes and in Picardy 39.000 hectares. Number 3 is Centre-Val de Loire with 13.000 hectares.
The UNPT does not dare to say what this means for the final yield. The weather conditions are decisive. This spring the potatoes went into the ground quite on time. The growing conditions have been reasonable, which is also reflected in the yield expectations for grains. This is currently assessed as positive.