Potato growers in the EU-5 expect that the consumption potato area can grow this year. This is exceptional given the great shortage of seed potatoes. Strong demand from the processing industry and supply of alternative varieties should enable growth figures.
Last year, the consumption potato area in the EU-4 increased by 2,7%. Official figures for 2024 are still missing and that will take some time. Nevertheless, polls are being conducted among European growers in the most important countries that indicate growth in cultivation this year. On the one hand, this is surprising, given the major shortage of starting material. On the other hand, there are opportunities, and they are being seized with both hands.
5 percent more in Flanders?
At the beginning of April, Viaverda (the former PCA) held a investigation among 124 Flemish potato growers. This showed that on average they increased their acreage of chip potatoes by 5%. That is good for 3.000 hectares, which brings the total Flemish potato area to 58.000 hectares. The area of early varieties is reportedly increasing slightly more (7%) than the area of late chip potatoes (5%).
This outcome is not a big shock if you look at an earlier poll Boerenbusiness puts next to it. A large group of Dutch growers also left know to expand the area this year. It is mainly the larger growers (50 hectares plus) who plant more hectares. The reason for shrinkage is mainly the availability of land and not so much seed potatoes.
Broader range of varieties
Both the Flemish and Dutch figures should be treated with some caution. For example, not all contracts are final and not all seed potatoes have been delivered. Especially now that the weather is throwing a spanner in the works, it is difficult to get all (cut) potatoes to the grower at the right time. What is clear from the Flemish figures is that the diversity of races is increasing. In recent years, the area has mainly shifted to Fontane - and to a lesser extent Innovator - but this year also includes Marquis, Challenger, Donata and Lady Anna. There is also room for growth again for Bintje. Undoubtedly because of the attractive costs of the seed potatoes.
According to Viaverda figures, growth in Wallonia is slightly higher at 7%. More alternative varieties are also being planted there, although Fontane remains dominant. In France, potato growers are positive and there are also whispers of a few percent growth. Growers' organization UNPT has not yet stated any figures, except that the country will be short of about 150.000 tons of seed potatoes this year. In addition, more French seed potatoes are reportedly being exported to other countries. Something that is also noticeable from Germany. German seed potatoes are used elsewhere in Europe to fill the gap left by the Netherlands. With the arrival of significantly more processing capacity in the region of Northern France and Southern Belgium, it is not surprising that growth is expected there.
Growth in the east
Last year, the area in the EU-4 grew everywhere, except in the Netherlands. The area also fell sharply in Poland. The sector is also counting on growth this year. The reasons for this are simple. In addition to good demand, the alternatives (sugar beets and grains) have suddenly become less attractive. That is something that also plays a role in France and Germany. Whether the Polish area can move towards 200.000 hectares again remains to be seen. The country is known for the fact that a relatively large amount of non-certified seed potatoes are planted. The large professional growers usually do not participate in this, but the boundaries between what is and what is not allowed are stretched as much as possible. That is the case everywhere.
Despite all estimates, the potatoes must be able to go into the ground. Planting takes place in fits and starts throughout Northwestern Europe. The Netherlands and other coastal areas will be in a bad position this spring with buckets of water, just as the country has dried up again. The subsoil is almost everywhere saturated and has a poor structure. Something that won't change this spring. In Germany and Poland, growers on light soils have been able to plant quietly between showers. A fair amount of work has also been done in France in a short period of time since the end of April, although the finish line is still far from in sight. Belgium faces the same circumstances as the Netherlands. Both harvesters and planters could be seen, especially in the coastal region. An exceptional image for two exceptional seasons.