The contraction of the French potato acreage is lagging behind expectations, despite market pressure caused by surpluses in the fries sector. Regional differences in supply play a role in this. Read more about the development of the potato acreage in France.
Various parties in the potato chain urged a sharp contraction in Northwest Europe last winter. Strong growth over the past two years, combined with sales problems in the french fry sector, has led to a large surplus of french fry potatoes this season. To restore balance to the market, a contraction of approximately 15% or more has been advocated by various parties.
Potatoes have been grown increasingly more over the past two years, particularly in France. In 2023, the area under consumption potatoes amounted to 154.000 hectares. Two years later, the cultivation volume increased to 192.000 hectares. This meant the area grew by 38.000 hectares, or by a quarter.
First indication
Despite the call for a sharp reduction, the acreage appears to be declining less sharply than hoped. It is important to bear in mind, however, that this is an initial indication. Last year, in April, Agreste projected a contraction of 1,4%, while ultimately there was an increase of 20.000 hectares, or 12,1%.
According to Agreste's estimates, cultivation in the two main potato regions in the northwest, Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, is declining by only 3%. In the northernmost tip of France, a consumption potato acreage of 61.000 hectares is projected. In Picardy, 53.600 hectares are anticipated.
Agreste expects a larger decline in the acreage of ware potatoes in Brittany and especially in the departments of Centre and Haute-Normandie. A contraction of approximately 15% is projected in these regions. In Centre, the acreage is expected to amount to approximately 14.000 hectares, and in Haute-Normandie to 12.000 hectares.
Starch potato cultivation declines further
According to initial estimates, starch potato cultivation is declining further. For the time being, Agreste is aiming for an acreage reduction of 3,9%, bringing the acreage to 10.377 hectares. Four years ago, this stood at 20.877 hectares. The growth of processing potato cultivation has displaced starch potato cultivation in recent years.
In parts of Haute-Normandie, starch potato cultivation is actually increasing. A growth of 14% is projected there, to nearly 1.000 hectares. This brings cultivation in this area back to the level of 2022.
Starch potatoes are primarily grown in the northwest of France. In the Picardy department, a decrease of 5% to 8.127 hectares is expected. Cultivation is also declining to a similar extent in Pas-de-Calais.
Less sugar beets
Sugar beet cultivation is also declining in France. In this estimate, Agreste arrives at an area of 379.124 hectares. That is 4,6% less than last year and 5% below the five-year average.