For the first time, more than 20.000 hectares of seed potatoes are being grown in Germany. This sets a new record. Last year, the area also increased significantly, after a dip in the three years before that. What is striking is the large area of table potato varieties.
According to German government figures, 20.490 hectares of seed potatoes will be grown this year, which is a new record. The increase of 2.110 hectares is good for 11,5%. The previous record was in 2020, when 19.230 hectares were grown, after which the area gradually decreased in the following three years.
Higher classes
More than half of the area is registered as higher class seed potatoes. This concerns 55% of the total. Belana remains the largest variety with 621 hectares, which is the same as last year. Fontane, the number two, does increase strongly by 11% to 562 hectares.
The chip variety Edison is striking, doubling its cultivation area to 520 hectares, taking fourth place. Bernina is still in third place, and the top five is completed by Jelly. Other varieties that are doing well are Agria, Zorba and the starch variety Euroresa.
Independent
The increasing area is a clear movement of the German seed potato sector to become more independent in the supply of starting material. Inspired by the alleged shortage early last year and which is also visible in other Western European countries.