The Belgian stock of potatoes amounts to 2,52 million tons at the beginning of February. That's about the same as the previous two seasons. The Potato Cultivation Test Center (PCA) has announced this.
The stock is therefore 8% above the five-year average. On the reference date of February 1, 63% of the total production of storage potatoes is in the shed. That is comparable to last season, but slightly higher compared to the multi-year average of 59%. At 720.000 tons, the share of free potatoes in the stock figures is almost equal to the five-year average. The share of potatoes on contract has increased by 12% compared to the five-year average.
Two thirds Fontane
Fontane, with 65% of the Belgian potato stock, is by far the largest variety in storage, 31% of which is free. The total stock of Fontane is the same as last season, but is 37% above the five-year average. The Bintje, Challenger and Innovator stock amounts to approximately 150.000 tons per variety, or about 18% of the total stock. The Bintje and Challenger stock is therefore the smallest in five years. The stock of innovator is also lower than the five-year average at approximately 30.000 tons. The other storage varieties account for 440.000 tons, or 17% of the total stock. That's roughly the same as the five-year average. However, the share of free potatoes is smaller than in recent years. About 90% of the other varieties are grown under contract.