The spread in planting dates, roughly between the end of March and the end of May, is clearly reflected in the first trial harvest figures for French fries potatoes. Yields of early potatoes are certainly not disappointing everywhere. The late-planted plots still have a lot of catching up to do.
Viaverda (formerly PCA) has published the second round of trial harvest figures for the 2024 harvest, based on samples taken on July 22. Since the growth in the past period was 265 to 665 kilos per day, an average of 1,85 to 4,65 tonnes per hectare must be added.
Yield follows trend
PCA sampled eight plots with the early Amora variety. On average, this results in a gross yield of 22 to 65 tons per hectare, with an average of 38 tons. That is about 5 tons above the 10-year average. However, if you look at the number of growing days and not at the calendar, this yield is above the average.
There are two sides to this story. For example, some of the plots were planted in early April (107 growing days) and some in mid-May (71 growing days). The former amount to 66 gross tons per hectare (43 tons/ha potatoes with 85% 50 mm upwards). The late plots are now at 19 tonnes per hectare in grade 50. The quality is described as good by the researchers, although the underwater weight is a bit on the low side.
Wear and tear
The final yield depends on several factors. The early(er) planted plots have matured for a maximum of 60%, which means that some of the growth has already stopped. On the early plots that percentage is only 13%, so the potatoes still have a while to go. Due to the limited root system and structural damage, some crops wear out harder than usual. Especially on light soils. A week with lots of sun and high temperatures certainly does not contribute to this.
The Mars report from the European JRC, published last week, estimates the average European potato harvest at 35,1 tons per hectare. A decrease of 2% from last month and 1% less than the five-year average. The researchers have reduced yields, especially in Northwestern Europe. This is the result of the persistent precipitation at the beginning of this summer. For Germany, the yield expectation drops by 2%. The high disease pressure also causes the harvest to be devalued.
Yield reductions
The yield expectation for the Netherlands has been slightly reduced. This is therefore 6% lower than last year and the five-year average (39,5 tons/ha). This also applies to Belgium. In France, a 4% lower yield is expected. Poland is one of the few countries with a 2% increase.
The JRC only reports hectare yields. With a growing area in the EU, there could be more potatoes this season. In the 11 largest European potato countries, the total area decreased by 1,5% (20.000 hectares) to 1,37 million hectares. Production is increasing most strongly in Germany, France and Poland. This is mainly motivated by the demand for French fries potatoes. Starch potatoes are grown considerably less. The European seed potato area is also shrinking again. The area is decreasing in Spain, Denmark and Romania.
little demand
After a special growing season, the early planted plots of French fries potatoes have appeared early. A varied combination of precipitation, heat and sun - in combination with a poor structure - ensures that these crops ripen quickly. Potato processors apparently rely on an excellent position with permanent contracts, or they take a long holiday, because there is minimal demand on the European market.
This has an effect on prices. Belgapom lowered its quote to €25 per tonne on Friday. A decrease of €5 from the week before. Germany's Reka also fell, trading at €27. Innovator is paid a little more. In our country, the PotatoNL listing failed again last week. The industry has also not yet reported any transactions for early potatoes on the PAT Index. This makes the potato market look very deserted, especially in a period when the market normally fluctuates with the weather. The potato futures market has been gradually devaluing for a month and a half. The April contract closed on Friday at €35, but with a minimum turnover of contracts its value is limited.