News

Uncertain plans for the potato

Fresh Common Potato
France
Published Sep 19, 2020

Tridge summary

The great majority of the Breton potato plant is exported to North Africa. Bretagne Plants is preparing for an uncertain campaign, while working on agronomic levers to protect crops from wireworms. In 3 years, the areas in Brittany devoted to the production of seed potatoes have gained 1,000 ha, reaching 6,662 ha.

Original content

At Bretagne Plants, these sownings represent 2,370 ha. "We have 3 varieties in the top 20 France, 6 in the top 10", welcomes Jean-Yves Abgrall, director of the structure. The growing conditions in the region remain favorable, because if the downy mildew pressure is countered by tolerant varieties, the pressure of virus-carrying aphids is very low. The Covid is a game-changer If the Covid-19 health crisis "has little disturbed" the activity of the cooperative, it suggests uncertainties for the next campaign. For potatoes for consumption, the French fries market collapsed in the spring, due to the closure of collective and out-of-home catering. “More than 2 million tonnes have not been processed”. Fortunately for Bretagne Plants, "our varieties are export oriented up to 64%, little on the industrial fries market". However, the director warns of indirect impacts that could thwart the next export season, with countries like Tunisia whose economy is heavily based on tourism and which ...
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