NEPG Zone (EU-04): 11,000 Hectares of Potatoes are Permanently Unrecoverable
Potato producers encountered challenging weather, a greater risk of disease, and higher expenses in the 2023 potato growing season. Approximately 11,000 hectares of potatoes are estimated by the NEPG to be permanently unrecoverable, and at least 650,000 tons have been lost (either in the fields or after harvest).
“Because of a reduced supply of plants, the start of the new 2024 growing season already presents great challenges,” a recent NEPG press release reveals.
With a 5.1% rise from 2022 to 22.7m tons, the harvest in the NEPG zone (EU-4) was nearly equal to the five-year average. The expected losses in fields throughout the four NEPG nations are included in these numbers. A total of 519,583 hectares, or 2.0% more than in 2022, were planted with potatoes. In the NEPG zone, average yields stored were 43.7 t/ha, or 1.4% higher than in 2022.
“Unlike the rest of the NEPG zone, yields, area, and therefore overall production in the Netherlands were lower in 2023 compared to 2022. In Belgium, despite the dramatic losses suffered by many farmers, overall production is in decline. increase of 18% thanks to a 7.9% increase in surface area and a better average yield per ha,” the NEPG experts mentioned.
The majority of producers are aware that cultivating potatoes is risky in addition to being expensive. In light of this, it becomes unclear what area needs to be planted given the state of the market. Contractual agreements with the finest terms do not offset rising production costs and rising risks. In addition, a fall and a very humid start to winter caused damage and compaction in several fields.
Another issue is the supply of seed potatoes. What amount will be offered for the most popular types is unknown. The plants would cost a lot more, but there are questions regarding the plants’ quality (after they are chopped). Dealers and plant companies probably pick their clients carefully. Contract availability will often be connected to plant availability as well. There will be a lot more plants chopped, especially the very large medium-sized plants (45–55 mm).
“The impact of more plants cut on emergence, number of stems per hectare, and overall production could be a problem for potential yield. Fewer plants and the plant that is tied to a contract also means that there will be fewer potatoes available on the open market. Furthermore, the processing industry continues to have growing needs. It will be difficult to contract sufficient areas to meet potato needs. For producers, it is clear that a greater risk premium than before will be necessary,” the NEPG representatives concluded.