The potato harvest in the United States is again estimated to be lower by insiders. The yield is now about 6% below the level of last season. The Maine region may even have its lowest yield in over 100 years.
According to insiders, the American potato harvest this season will amount to 18,1 million tons. This is 1,14 million tons (or 6%) less than was harvested in the 2019 season. Compared to the forecast in the month september a decrease of 49.895 tons is visible. The average yield is 49,9 tons per hectare. This is approximately 1,2 tonnes per hectare below the 20-year average and 1,1 tonnes less than the average of the previous season. One of the reasons for this lower harvest is a significantly smaller acreage in the so-called 'Columbia Basin'. This is generally the largest potato producing region in the world.
Maine: Lowest Harvest in 100 Years?
The results of the American potato harvest are certainly not good, but the result is not necessarily dramatic either. Except in the state of Maine, where the potato harvest is expected to be at its lowest point in 100 years. As a result of the frost, the growing season ended around September 20 and 84% of the harvest has now been completed. For comparison: the 5-year average is 52%. According to insiders, the total yield is a paltry 576.062 tons, which is more than 183.000 tons less than last year (-24,1%). The average hectare yield is expected to be 27,9 tons, while last year it was 36,3 tons. If this harvest forecast becomes reality, it will be the smallest harvest in more than 100 years.
Not only in Maine has the yield been further reduced, considerably fewer potatoes are also expected in the state of California. At 725.747 tons, the harvest is 38.192 tons smaller than last season (-5%). Compared to the forecast in September, a decrease of almost 55.000 tons is visible. This is partly because the area has decreased by more than 600 hectares. According to insiders, the hectare yield is 46,4 tons. In Washington, the harvest has been reduced by 31.000 tons to 3,91 million tons, which is 17,7% less than last season. This is mainly due to the decrease in the area of approximately 8.000 hectares (-12,2%). The average yield is 67 tons.
Uncertainty surrounding the corona crisis
Yet the potato market in the United States is still characterized by uncertainty. Just like elsewhere in the world, the market is completely gripped by the coronavirus. Now that the virus is resurgent, there is also more fear on the other side of the ocean about the volume of potatoes that the industry needs to meet demand. How much effect this has on the final yield figures, the expectations for next season and whether Europe can make a profit here, remains to be seen.