Mars report predicts moderate potato harvest

For the Netherlands, an average yield of 39 tonnes per hectare is estimated. This is unchanged compared to the September forecast. It is 7% less than was estimated last year (41,8 tonnes per hectare) and 8% less than the five-year average of 42,2 tonnes per hectare. The JRC lumps all types (consumption, starch, seed potatoes) together in its yield forecast.

Yields below average
In Belgium, the decline is even greater, with 10% fewer potatoes compared to last year. The researchers assume 39,2 tonnes per hectare compared to 43,5 tonnes last year and 41,4 tonnes on average (5% less). Germany and France both show a yield that is 3% above the five-year average. This concerns 43,3 tonnes in Germany and 42 tonnes in France.

Extreme precipitation has limited impact
The countries that experienced extreme precipitation in September are showing red figures, but that is not only due to the high rainfall. In Poland and Romania, for example, it was very dry earlier and that cost yields. For Poland, the JRC estimates a yield that is 2% above average (and 1% below last year). In Romania, that is even 15% less than average (and 5% below last year). The flooded areas have a small impact on the national figures.

Satellite observations and weather data also show that excessive precipitation is locally delaying the potato harvest this autumn. This is the case in France, among other places. However, the researchers see no reason to adjust the yield because of this. In Germany, the harvest is still underway and conditions are better, despite the fact that it is indeed quite wet in the west and south.

Beet yield varies
The picture for sugar beets is more mixed. The October forecast assumes a 4% lower beet yield (82 tonnes per hectare) for October. That is 3% below average. The large European beet countries: France, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom all show higher figures. The countries that have had to deal with drought and flooding this autumn are strikingly red.