Potato processors crave raw materials
Based on a preliminary assessment of the NEPG (Association of Northwest European Potato Producers), the area in the 5 largest “potato” countries of Northwest Europe increased to 609 ha. This is the largest figure in history.
Although the forecast is not final (the final data will be published in early July), estimates show an increase of 2,4% compared to last year and by 8,4% compared to the average for 5 years.
All countries on the continent show an increase in the area under potatoes, in the first place France and Belgium.
Analysts' fears that farmers did not have enough seed potatoes to plant in such large areas were in vain. Potato growers found a way out even in the face of rising prices - they simply cut smaller tubers and planted them. Farmers were not afraid of production costs and increase in rental value for the land, as the game was building candles.
Processors have huge demand for potatoes. There is very little free potato stock of the past harvest, so the processing industry will be able to pay premium prices.
Water is a critical factor because the past season turned out to be arid and a similar scenario is possible in this growing season, and the levels in reservoirs and wells are much lower than average. Harvest really needs rain to compensate for the lack of watering. A number of countries have already imposed restrictions on water abstraction for potato fields.
(Source: nepg.info).
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