Revenues are lower than previously expected

Compared to last month, yield forecasts have been adjusted downwards, but they still remain above the 5-year average, the European Commission's scientific office (JRC) writes in the September edition of MARS bulletin.

Small shifts in potato yield
The average yield of potatoes in Europe this season is estimated at 34,6 tons per hectare. That is 4,8% above the 5-year average but 0,7% lower compared to August. Yields in France and the Netherlands have been adjusted slightly upwards by 0,2 and 0,4 tonnes respectively to 43,0 and 43,8 tonnes per hectare. According to the JRC, Germany is harvesting fewer potatoes. In August, the institute assumed 45,1 tons per hectare, which increased to 44,3 tons per hectare in September. The yield in Belgium is the same as last month at 42,2 tons per hectare. In the 4 important potato countries, yields are still between 4,3% and 6,3% above the 5-year average.

The beet harvest in Europe is estimated at an average of 75 tons per hectare. That is 1,8% above the 5-year average and equal to the forecast in August. In the Netherlands, the harvest is estimated at 86,9 tons per hectare. That is 4,9% above the 5-year average. The beets are also in above-average condition in Germany and Romania, while in the rest of Europe the crop is in moderate to average condition.

Silage maize is the exception
Silage maize is the only crop in this edition of the MARS bulletin with a higher yield. The average yield is estimated at 44 tons per hectare. That is 8% above the 5-year average and 1,3% higher than the August forecast. The Dutch harvest is 'only' 3,4% above the 5-year average with 44,4 tons per hectare.