The Northwest European Potato Producers' Association (NEPG) has published a report on potato production in Europe and made a forecast for the next year. The association's experts believe that 2021 was a difficult year for potato growers (after a rainy summer in Europe, Belgium, Holland and Germany experienced difficult conditions for harvesting in autumn). The only exception was France.
Farmers tried to postpone harvesting in anticipation of favorable weather conditions, but this only slowed down the speed of work.
Potato growers have achieved high harvest volumes. Depending on the countries and sub-regions, gross yields were generally moderate to good, but net yields will be lower due to crop losses, damage to tubers due to rainy weather, and storage difficulties.
In 2021, the potato planting area of NEPG companies decreased by about 24 hectares, from 000 to 522 hectares. World production is projected at 000 million tonnes (t). This year (harvest 498) contract prices have decreased (from 000 € / 22,7 kg to 2021 € / 0,50 kg compared to last year, depending on the variety and country).
NEPG experts believe that contract prices for 2022/2023 should increase by at least 3-4 euros / 100 kg for production to be profitable. If this does not happen, then in 2022 we can expect a reduction in the planting area for potatoes.
Production costs have been on the rise throughout the past season. We are talking about diesel fuel and electricity. In addition, the plants had to be additionally treated against late blight, the cost of fertilizers increased by more than 50% (potash) and 200-300% (nitrogen). Also in 2021, the problems associated with global climate change came to the fore.
Producer prices for cereals and rapeseed have also increased, making these crops more marginal. In addition, growing them is associated with much lower risks compared to potatoes. Therefore, many growers in the next year may prefer rapeseed and cereals to potatoes.