Potato growers in Western Europe are growing more ware potatoes this year than in the 2021 season. The acreage is also higher than the five-year average according to the estimates of the Northwestern European Potato Growers (NEPG). How much does the acreage increase?
The total consumption potato area is 507.336 hectares according to NEPG estimates. The area increased in all four countries. In Belgium the most in percentage terms with 3,5%. The area in France and the Netherlands increased by 2% in both countries. The increase was lowest in Germany at 1,5%. In total, the area increased from 497.197 to 507.336 hectares according to the estimates, an increase of more than 10.100 hectares. In early spring, a small decrease in the area was expected due to higher production costs and other crops that seemed financially more lucrative at the start of the season.
The total area of 2022 is also higher than the five-year average of 0,9%, which is 502.723 hectares. At 4,2%, the Netherlands is far below its five-year average, just like Belgium at 2,4%. In the Netherlands, the level for the last five years is 76.048 hectares. France and Germany provide an increase on the five-year average with 4,5% and 1,9%.