The potato crops in the EU-4 are characterized by many foliage developments, but few tubers (read: kilos). NEPG reports that. The potato growers' organization calls the reduction in acreage it sees 'historic'.
The 2021 harvest therefore mainly depends on the hectare yield, not the acreage. According to the NEPG, the acreage of ware potatoes in the EU-4 has decreased by 4,7% this season compared to 2020. That amounts to 497.700 hectares. A decrease of 24.600 hectares of ware potatoes.
This is why the potato acreage in Belgium and the Netherlands is ending below the 5-year average this season. The NEPG calls this Europe-wide movement historic. The acreage has mostly increased in the last 20 years. Ultimately, the yield per hectare determines the size of the European harvest.
Area larger than average
In Belgium, the decrease in area of 8,2% is the largest according to the NEPG figures. In the Netherlands this is 6,5%, in Germany 3,5% and finally in France 3%. The cultivation of ware potatoes in the EU-4 is therefore still 1% larger than the 5-year average of 494.000 hectares.
According to the potato organization, little can be said about the upcoming harvest. The early potatoes suffer from the heavy rainfall, which lowers the underwater weight. This may delay the start of the harvest from land. This provides air for the old harvest.
Few carrots
The main harvest in the 4 countries is characterized by a lot of foliage and few tubers. Plants do have plenty, but the tubers are smaller than normal during this period. Moisture in August and September should ultimately ensure that the good tuber setting eventually comes to fruition. If there is a heat wave or dry period, the main crop can be affected faster than it was used in recent years. The plants usually have not made many roots and the foliage reaches its peak faster.
Robust varieties required
Production costs for the current season are already rising, the NEPG concludes. A lot of costs are made to keep Phytophthora under control. In addition, energy and fertilizer prices are at a higher level. Anyone who wants to build a new storage shed or machine shed will be disappointed. The cost of all building materials has risen sharply.
Growers are aware of the challenges, NEPG notes. Durable and robust varieties are required for a variety of reasons: bacteria resistant, tolerant to heat and drought, but also varieties that are more economical with nitrogen fertilizer.
Belgapom quotation
Not all potatoes from harvest 2020 have been delivered yet. With the delay of the new harvest, factories are obliged to run longer on old potatoes. The corona situation is developing positively, but it can still cause restrictions and slow down the demand for chips and other potato products.
NEPG also mentions the Belgapom listing. In the second half of this season, some traders bought potatoes at prices above this quotation. Especially in Belgium and France, the last 3 to 4 months has been spent buying at a higher price level than the Friday quotation of Belgapom showed.