The preliminary Flemish aggregate demand figures show an increase in consumption of potato acreage in Flanders (Northern Belgium), with a total of 51,708 ha (+4.2%).

The higher contract prices were most likely an inducement to keep spud seeding going.

“Even so, when the contracts were signed in January, there was no indication that the cost would skyrocket in 2022. Better free market prices can also explain some of the increases,” PCA wrote.

Since this year, the seed potato area has been divided into the certified seed (1,052 ha) and farm seed (371 ha). Together this amounts to a 2% increase in seed potato production.