The EU-4 is heading for a very normal potato harvest, according to potato organization Northern European Potato Growers (NEPG). The organization notes that there are quite major quality problems. In addition to holes and rot, tuber phytophthora is prevalent in the four most important European potato countries.
After a difficult spring, a difficult summer followed in four countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. The NEPG estimates the total consumption potato harvest at 23 million tons. That is 1,3 million tons more than was harvested last year and 1 million tons less than the five-year average.
Phytophthora impact
The NEPG also issues a warning that phytophthora infestans will have a major impact on this year's potato harvest. Especially because tuberous phytophthora is an issue in many plots. The organization believes that the right time to kill leaves and good storage planning are therefore very important. In addition, there are also problems with hollowness, deformity and rot. A lower underwater weight can result in lower yields in chip production.
In terms of volume, the potato harvest is between 2020 and 2021. Compared to two years ago, European processors need 2 million more tons of chip potatoes, the NEPG writes, and these will therefore not be available. Smaller Polish potato production and fewer potatoes in Southern Europe ensure that the export market is also running at full speed. That creates competition.
Growth deficiency not made up for
The three weeks of growth delay incurred this spring due to a later planting date are not completely made up for. Otherwise, growers will have to let their potatoes grow until mid-October before spraying them dead. The extent to which the problems with the dreaded potato disease will be resolved depends on the weather in the coming period.
NEPG also takes stock in terms of final area. The correct figures only surfaced very late. The Netherlands is the odd one out. Our country is the only one that shows a negative. The increase of 4.284 hectares in Belgium is surprising. In France this is slightly larger at 4.350, but not surprising given the size of the country. No changes whatsoever will be passed on for Germany. Compared to the five-year average, cultivation has increased by 2%.