While potato growers across continental Europe have experienced a torrid season with extreme wet weather delaying planting, reducing growth and affecting harvest, reports suggest that Belgian farmers have been particularly hard hit.
Price analysis company Mintec reports that, ‘Belgium’s potato crop has been the worst affected by heavy rainfall across Europe.’
In a statement, Mintec’s Harry Campbell added, “Harvesting has been delayed, with roughly 50 per cent of the national crop lifted [by mid-October]. Improving weather conditions are expected to facilitate progress. The EU Commission estimates yields at 39.2 tonnes per hectare, marking a 10% reduction year-on-year.” As a result, the Expana Benchmark Price for Fontane potatoes from Belgium stand at €125/tonne on 18 October, a year-on-year increase of 25 per cent.
At the same time, the Dutch processing potato Expana Benchmark Price was at €140/tonne, up 17 per cent year-on-year. “In the Netherlands, approximately 25 per cent of the potato 2024/25 market year crop remains to be harvested, with current progress ahead of last year at the same point in time,” continued Harry. “Harvest completion is anticipated in two weeks in the central and northern regions according to market sources, while wet conditions in the southern areas have caused delays according to market sources. The EU Commission forecasts the yield at 39 tonnes per hectare, representing a 7 per cent decline year-on-year.”
Mintec also reported that, ‘Just under one-third of the German potato crop remained to be harvested, though progress has been slower compared to previous years due to wet weather.’ In France, progress had been relatively strong, with ‘Market players reporting that the remaining potato area to be harvested is in the final third, and the harvest schedule is currently ahead of last year. The EU Commission has estimated yields in France at 42 tonnes per hectare, consistent with last year’s yields and 3 per cent above the five-year average.’