The latest figures from the JRC Mars Bulletin confirm the robust potato harvests in Northwest Europe. Yields are particularly above average in Belgium and France. This is in addition to the already exceptionally large acreage in these countries.
The European Commission's JRC research committee repeatedly lowered yield expectations in France during the summer months. This has now been proven wrong, as the yields are not bad at all. The French statistics agency Agreste already estimated 42,6 tons per hectare, and the new projections in the Mars report are close to that figure, at 43 tons per hectare.
The difference compared to the September estimate is significant, however, as the JRC then expected yields of 40 tons per hectare based on crop monitoring. This adjustment has significant consequences for the total harvest forecast in the European Union. Furthermore, the German harvest is expected to be larger than the JRC predicted last month. The new figures assume 42,8 tons of potatoes per hectare, which is 1,5 tons more than last month.
Biggest expansions
Germany and France are precisely the countries with the largest expansions in area. Combined with higher yield forecasts, they are making the difference. The average yield of table, starch, and seed potatoes across the EU is now rising to 37,3 tons per hectare.
The EU yield has increased by almost 1 tonne per hectare compared to September. It is striking that the new estimate is on par with the first forecast issued in May. In the vast majority of Member States, the difference between the first estimate in May and the last one in October remains less than 1 tonne per hectare. The initial situation therefore significantly influences the final outcome. Dry periods that reduced yields ultimately had less of an effect than anticipated.
All in all, the yield is above average. The five-year average is 36,5 tons per hectare. This year's estimate is almost 1 tonne higher, representing a 2% increase. Compared to normal harvests, Belgium and France stand out. In both countries, yields are approximately 1,5 to 2 tons per hectare higher than the five-year average.
The Netherlands is also above average
In the Netherlands, JRC expects a yield of 43,4 tons per hectare across all potatoes. This is 3% higher than the five-year average. In Germany, sufficient moisture has limited the yield reduction resulting from the rise of the new diseases Stolbur and SBR, JRC researchers conclude.
Regular rainfall and average temperatures have boosted yields in Poland. JRC expects an average of almost 32 tons per hectare, 2% more than the five-year average. The difference compared to last year is even greater, as the harvest then stagnated at just over 30 tons per hectare. The Polish statistical office (GUS) previously announced that the Polish harvest will increase by almost 1 million tons to 6,8 million tons this year, thanks to increased acreage (+10%) and higher yields.