How is the potato harvest going?

Last week calculated we, based on the figures of Aviko Potato, that there are still an estimated 40.000 hectares of ware potatoes in the ground. In that week, 26% had already been harvested. For week 43, Aviko sets that figure at 40%. In one week, 1% has been cleared, which is good for 14 hectares.

A lot of work done
It should also be noted that Aviko's figures were compiled up to and including Friday. A lot of work was also cleared during the weekend. In reality, the harvested percentage is even higher, up to approximately 50%. Flevoland has harvested 20% in week 43. In the southwest of the country the harvest is slightly less advanced. The Northern Netherlands advanced 15%. The southeast has about 70% behind the boards (+20%). Most of the work still needs to be done in North Holland. The counter there is at 10%.

A lot has also been cleared in France and Poland in one week. Both countries have made approximately 1% progress. In Germany, progress is less. Belgium and the United Kingdom each received approximately 15% of the harvest. Especially in the latter country, harvesting potatoes is difficult. The persistent rainfall means that some plots may be considered lost considered. It also rained continuously there this weekend.

Night frost coming
In Poland and Germany, the harvest is now approximately 85% ready, according to Aviko figures. Belgium and France are on equal footing (with 65%). The Netherlands continues to lag behind. Looking at the weather forecasts, major progress will also be made this week with the harvesting. It rained several millimeters in France this weekend, delaying the harvest in the country. However, every millimeter that currently falls is 1 too many. Rain also fell in the south and east of Germany. Still, insiders expect that the harvest can progress up to 95% by the end of this week.

For many growers, the deadline is November 1. Then rain is expected again. Night frost can also make the harvesting work somewhat difficult and make an early start impossible. However, there will be no real serious frost for now. Further east, in Germany and especially Poland, the mercury can drop several degrees below 0. Last week it was still over 20 degrees there.

Onion harvest resumes
Not only potatoes, but also onions are still on the program in Central and Northern Netherlands. In mid-October there were still approximately 5.000 hectares onions on the land. A lot of work has been done in Flevoland, but this also applies to the northeast of our country. Many plots still had to be cleared. It was only at the end of last week that conditions improved significantly.

The stories about the quality vary, but in general the quality is better than expected. The product enters storage nicely. However, the color is clearly different than before the rain. The onion harvest may be completed in many areas in the coming days with good weather expected.