In the October edition of the European Mars report, the EU raises its revenue forecast for a number of countries. The most surprising numbers are for Germany. Where do the numbers come from?
The average for the EU-28 is slightly adjusted by 0,3% for October, compared to September. This amounts to an average of 33,7 tonnes per hectare. The EU-5 scores considerably higher. Germany tops the list with an average of 45,9 tonnes per hectare, followed by France with 45,8 tonnes, Belgium with 45,4 tonnes, the Netherlands with 45,2 tonnes and the United Kingdom with 45,1 tonnes. In 2016, only the UK managed to achieve a yield of 45 tons. The Belgian harvest is almost 19% higher.
Plus for Germany
Germany is corrected the most in the report. The yield is adjusted upwards by 3,4% compared to September. A correction of 5,4% has been made for Romania. However, the average yield does not exceed 15 tons per hectare. Sweden is the only country with a minus of 1,4%.
Compared to 2016, the average European potato yield is at virtually the same level. Looking at the 5-year average, this year's yield is slightly higher, at 3,4%.