b'WORLDREVIEWUNITED STATES Contracts are being signed for spring productionThe only continent which saw production rise was The United States has gained increased access towith the processing industry, however there hasAfrica. Potato plantings rose 3.3 per cent in Africa Asian markets for American potatoes and potatobeen some reluctance from producers, the release the nation could overtake North America as the products, according to releases from the Nationalsays. Field prices have remained the same or slightlythird largest producer in the future. More than half of Potato Council (NPC). lower than last season, while storage prices havethe worlds potatoes were grown in Asia, while Europe As of Feb. 14, American chipping potatoes willincreased. accounted for nearly 30 per cent of total production.be allowed to enter Japan year-round. Previously, theChina and India accounted for 40 per cent of U.S. was limited to shipping chipping potatoes toGLOBAL global production. Other large Asian producers Japan between Feb. 1 to July 30. Potato production slipped 1.5 per cent globally ininclude Bangladesh, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. Nepal U.S. potato products have also gained access2018 compared to the previous year, according toovertook Uzbekistan though to enter the top 25 global to the Chinese marketplacemarking an industrythe latest report from the United Nations Food andproducers, while Pakistan saw the largest increase in first. As part of the phase one trade deal between theAgriculture Organization. This still marked the thirdpotato production out of every major producer.U.S. and China, the Asian nation will accept importslargest production everafter 2017 and 2014. In the European Union, Belgium, France, of American fresh chipping potatoes from the statesThe largest production changes were in ChinaGermany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. and Russia. Chinese acres fell one per cent com- accounted for 60 per cent of production.On Feb. 25, U.S. Secretary of Agriculturepared to the previous yearmeaning China isThe report also notes potatoes continue to lag Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robertfurther than ever from reaching its long-term goal ofbehind other crops in yield development. Potatoes Lighthizer announced China has taken numerousdoubling potato production to 200 million tons.are still the highest yielding crop compared to corn, actions to begin implementing its agriculture-relatedThe latest figures also show Ukraine hasrice, soy and wheatbut all of these have recorded commitments from the trade deal, including thoseovertaken its neighbour Russia as the worlds thirdgreater yield increases over the last 50 years. The pertaining to potato imports. largest potato grower, while India is in second place.report says the next decade should see continued Todays announcement is 20 years in the makingUkraines potential as a global player though contin- yield development which could be sped up by greater and will allow Chinese consumers for the first timeues to be unfilled, acres have remained steady thereuse of genetic technology and editing. to enjoy potato chips sourced from high-quality U.S.while yields have started creeping higher.fresh potatoes. We look forward to developing and ex-panding this vital market, says Jared Balcom, NPCs vice-president of trade affairs, in the release.The markets represent opportunities for the American potato industry. Japan is the U.S. potato industrys largest export market with exports totalingALLAN EQUIPMENT CROP CART, SPEED UP PLANTING AND HARVEST.over US$350 million in the past year. In 2019, the U.S. exported 32,240 metric tons of fresh chippingUse with multiple crops, grain, vegetables, or sugar beetspotatoes, valued at more than $15 million, to Japan. China is currently a top 10 export market for U.S.Holds a full tractor trailer and unloads fastpotatoes, primarily in processed products. With aAvailable with or without cleaning tablecombination of competitive tariffs and enhanced market access, China could become a top five market in the near future.NORTHWESTERN EUROPEIf there is another increase in demand for potatoes this year, combined with an average potato yield, there could be issues with supply and demand lead-ing to price pressure for growers, the North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) says in a release.The market is currently in balance, despite a larger harvest. The quality of potatoes in storage is overall good, however there are some reports or sprouting and aging with some stocks having to beSimple, Ef cient, Reliablesold earlier than planned. The NEPG is concernedDesign and manufacture of all types of though about what the quality and quantity of stockshandling, harvesting and planting equipmentwill be by spring. allanequipment.com (902) [email protected] 2020 SPUDSMART.COM 47'