Increase of +4% of the area of potatoes

Belgium

Friday 18 April 2014

FJ | UNPT Union Nationale des Producteurs de Pommes de Terre

It is still too early to make estimates of production for the Harvest 2014, the NEPG wishes to emphasize that it is obviously the yield per hectare has the greatest impact on the final production. (photo Agricultural Union)

For the 2014 harvest, NEPG expects an increase of +3.5 to 4% of potato areas.

Based on initial estimates available on 5 major producers of potatoes, the NEPG (North-Western European Potato Growers - Producers of Potatoes Northwest European) expects an increase of potatoes surface for 2014, which would increase between 3.5 and 4% compared to last year or even the 5-year average.

It is in France and Belgium that surfaces will increase the most. The surface of potato consumption, in 5 countries would be around 550 000 hectares. This increase, which was expected by the NEPG is potentially lower than expected.

The planting sites are ahead of schedule. Conditions of plantations are good, but the soils are difficult to prepare and structures are sensitive to climatic conditions. On the perimeter of NEPG in mid-April, 60% of plantations are estimated to be realised.

source : nepg info