One of the wettest summers in recent decades and not equally easy conditions everywhere, especially towards the end of the harvesting season, is how the North-western European Potaot Growers (NEPG) summarizes the season. What does this mean for the estimate of potato yields in the EU-4 that the organization published today (Friday 19 November)?
In the estimate published today (Friday, November 19), the NEPG states that, overall, gross potato yields are average to good. There are major differences between the different regions. The NEPG assumes a yield of approximately 4 million tons of potatoes in the EU-22,7. That is 700.000 tons less than last season. The expected net yield is lower. There are a number of quality problems, such as holes, growth cracks and split potatoes. But the industry is running at full speed and does not seem to be taking this seriously at the moment.
Balance in the market
The decline in yields, coupled with a good recovery in exports, ensures a certain balance in supply and demand according to the NEPG. The free market remains intact due to growers' reluctance to sell. This makes it difficult for factories to build up new stock.
The NEPG believes that a significantly higher price is necessary for the coming season. The costs for diesel, electricity, fertilizer and crop protection have risen considerably. Prices for grains and rapeseed have also risen, making these crops a more interesting and less risky alternative to potato cultivation. The NEPG believes that contract prices for the 2022/2023 season will certainly have to increase by €3 to €4 per 100 kilos to keep cultivation interesting for farmers.