Late and difficult planting conditions and widespread emergence problems are causing concern in major production regions.
The season’s context will be influenced by increased processing capacity in Europe and a favourable supply/demand ratio for producers. However, current challenges, growing production risks, and market trends (competitiveness and consumption) do not guarantee a sustainable future for the sector, leaving many questions unanswered, according to a press release from the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG).
Planting season and upcoming problems
Potato hectareage in the NEPG zone will increase by four to six per cent in 2024. Planting lasted 8 to 10 weeks this spring, with some fields still being planted last week. Current fields range from full flowering to just planted. Emergence problems are widespread, with 80 per cent of tubers not sprouting due to rot, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. Issues include the use of cut seed, planting delays, multiple desprouting, difficult conditions, and heavy rainfall. Fields have been written off due to flooding, especially in Benelux and parts of Germany.
The release notes that there are more questions than answers concerning the future quantity and quality of the harvest. Will late planted varieties, some of which are no real processing ones, have big enough sizes and high enough under water weights?
Although seed production is increasing in France, it remains stable in the Netherlands. However, flooding has severely damaged and even destroyed hundreds of hectares of seed in various parts of Holland. There is still no clear indication of the status and future of tuberization and tuber counts.
Processing demand and sales of processed products
Processing demand and capacity in the NEPG zone, especially in France, continue to rise. However, sales of frozen chips and other processed products are stabilizing or declining. Increased competition from North America, China, India, Turkey, and Argentina is impacting the market. Growers should consider these trends when planning future expansions or investments.
Current and future risks and uncertainties
Potato farmers face unprecedented risks due to climate change, high blight pressure, resistant Phytophthora strains, reduced fungicide availability, and the susceptibility of current varieties. These challenges make cultivation increasingly risky. Growers must produce sustainably, considering disruptive weather patterns and water availability.
