2022: More sown but less harvested in the north-west of the EU
Fresh Common Potato
France
Published Jan 30, 2023
Tridge summary
The NEPG countries (Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium) have planted more potato area in 2022. Some 14,421 ha more (+2.9%) up to 512,400 ha. However, the lower yields per ha (-6.3%) led to a global production of 21.69 Mt (-5.3%; that is, a reduction of 1.2 Mt).
Original content
Demand for potatoes is good, with North West European industries keen to buy potatoes for the remainder of the season and 2023/24, leading to record high contract prices, which have risen by 30- Four. Five %. These higher prices should cover much higher production costs, as well as the inflation that growers face, being an attraction for the farmer to plant potatoes. Processors will need at least 500,000 more tons in 2023-2024. Yields per hectare in NEPG countries have been declining over the past 10 years. The main factor leading to reduced yields is climate change, although there is also a combination of soil-related problems such as compaction, lower organic matter content, nematodes, too short rotations…. Genetics (most breeders are very active in producing new varieties that are tolerant/resistant to blight, more tolerant to abiotic stress, need less nitrogen, are resistant to nematodes, Y virus…) as well as new and/or adapted cultivation techniques are the key to improving ...
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes.
To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.