European potato crop expected to be down on last year

Despite the fact that the main-crop potato area in the 5 North-Western European countries increased by 1.7% this season, the NEPG (North-Western European Potato Growers) estimated that the total Conservation (Ware) harvest could be lower for the 2009 crop than in 2008.

 

 

This estimate was made at the group’s last meeting held during Potato Europe 2009 at Emmeloord, reports Potato Council in its monthly Potato Euro report.

 

 

Potato Council says in the report that during late August and early September most fields appeared too aged to pick up weight, as normal during the end of the growing period. Also growers in many countries, especially in The Netherlands, defoliated the crop early to limit the rapidly increasing dry matter content. Due to the drought Belgium reported the largest reduction in yields, but also in Germany and The Netherlands the average yield may be lower than originally expected. There are also reports of extremely high dry matter content in many crops this season.

 

 

This could lead to damage problems during harvest and quality issues for later storage, and may increase wastage. The net production in most countries is therefore expected to be lower than originally estimated. Lower production is particularly likely in the fresh market, where high wastage has already been noted, due to black leg, greening and misshapes.

 

 

Growers across Northern Europe are therefore being advised to handle potatoes with special care this season, to guarantee all sectors of the industry receive good quality raw material in the months ahead.