Potato harvest starts last stage

Estimates vary somewhat between the different parties, depending on the region. In the Netherlands it goes according to this Aviko Potato to get the last 15% that still needs to be harvested. Especially in the southeast and north, potato growers still have to carry out harvesting work. The clay areas still need to be cleared, especially in the southwest. The position at Aviko was around 20% at the end of last week. Flevoland and North Holland are significantly more advanced.

Accelerate
This means that the potato harvest is considerably ahead of the past two years. On the reference date of October 2, we were at 22% (50) and 2020% (25). Despite the fact that the harvest of all crops is delayed this season, potato growers have clearly stepped up their pace. Irrigation to enable harvesting in September and long days to avoid rainfall. That has worked out well for many. Last week between 2019 and 30 millimeters fell in many places. The harvesting has now started carefully again. Growers are trying to finish the last plots, because unstable weather is again planned for early November.

Within the EU-4, Belgium in particular still has a lot to harvest. Aviko estimates the percentage harvested at almost 70%. That is also considerably more than the 5-year average of 53%. What is striking about our southern neighbors is the diversity among growers. While one is already ready, the other still has to harvest three quarters of its acreage. Locally, a lot of rain fell here last week, which hinders harvesting.

Better quality in France
In France, most potatoes are in the shed. Aviko reports that more than 80% has been received by their growers. Insiders speak of 5% to 10% still to be harvested in the north of the country. The conditions for harvesting have been perfect. The quality is also better than previously thought. Hollowness is particularly an issue in both French fries and table potatoes. Rot caused by phytophthora is not a major problem. Damage caused by snails and nematodes is more common, as are green tubers.

The chip potato market is quiet and therefore comparable to Belgium and the Netherlands. Table potatoes are traded at considerably higher prices. This market feels solid and rising. Especially because yields are lower and quality is an issue. The export market is healthy. Yet the processing industry also records good figures. In September, almost 115.000 tons of potatoes were processed, reports processing organization GIPT. That is 11% more than a year earlier. Of the new harvest, 296.000 tons have now been processed. This is 12.000 tons more than a year earlier. This means that the new season has started smoothly and is not far behind the record year 2019.

German potatoes picked up quickly
In Germany, potato growers are still harvesting mainly in the north and locally also in the east. Before it started raining last week, most of the potatoes were in. Aviko thinks that about 15% still needs to be cleared nationally. The market reports that processors are picking up consignments quickly, because the factories are running at a high pace due to good demand. Stored and dried cells are therefore cleared earlier than planned. Reason for the Reka-Rijnland quotation of October 22 to increase prices. Fontane rose to €12,50 (+€0,50), Challenger gained one euro to €13 and Agria and Innovator €2 to €15 per 100 kilos.

British farmers also have to dig up about 15% of their potatoes. This mainly concerns late varieties such as Marquis and in areas that are traditionally late. It is now clear that the harvest will be considerably smaller than average. New acreage figures from the Agriculture Ministry, Defra, amount to 137.000 hectares. Last year that was 142.000 hectares, of which 5,5 million tons were ultimately cleared. If we calculate with a 10-year average yield, the British ware potato harvest will amount to more than 5 million tons this year. The volume is therefore comparable to 2018.

The British market has its own dynamics
The British market has its own dynamics and is separate from the EU-4. The trend is clearly more steady and with higher prices. Especially for the versatile Maris Piper breed. Buyers are actively looking for this potato, because less has been harvested and because quality is also a concern here. For good quality, prices are paid around €15 per 100 kilos, rising to €17. This concerns delivery dry from the shed. For top parties, amounts above €20 are mentioned. Agria, Ramos and Markies are also traded at these prices, especially for the fish & chips trade.