Saying that the start of the growing season for potatoes is difficult is a euphemism. Wet during planting - part of the area was planted very late - problems with emergence and high phytophthora pressure, summarizes North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG). Due to the expansion of processing capacity in Europe, the supply and demand ratio is in favor of the growers, according to the organization. But there are no guarantees and the NEPG issues a profit warning.
Not all final area figures are known yet, but the NEPG assumes an area expansion of 4% to 6% in Northwest Europe. The period during which planting takes place runs from eight to ten weeks. This is also visible in the condition of the crop. From plots that are in full bloom and that already have something under them, to plots that were only planted last week. Problems with attendance are the rule rather than the exception. This ranges from a few percent of potatoes that do not grow to 80% where no plant grows due to seed potatoes that rot in the ground. The latter is especially a problem in Belgium and the Netherlands, according to the NEPG. The association also points out the high phytophthora pressure. Problems linked to climate change, a depleted range of resources, new resistant strains and common varieties that are susceptible to phytophthora only increase the cultivation risks.
However, potato processors have not been idle and processing capacity has been significantly expanded, especially in France, and these expansion plans do not seem to have an end yet. Sales of frozen fries and other potato products are stagnating or even declining according to the NEPG. European processors are facing more competition, not only from North America but also from emerging markets such as China, India, Turkey and Argentina. Growers must be aware of this when considering expansion plans or investments according to the NEPG.