The NEPG (potato producers in North West Europe : Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, France and Holland) estimate that total potato acreage in the 5 main producing countries will increase by 2.7%. This figure only concerns consumable potatoes for export, packaging and the fresh market.
Acreage increased in all of the NEPG countries except Great Britain (2% decrease). The NEPG consider it to be too early to estimate yield for this season.
In general, fields were planted early and are early on the calendar. Samples taken from plots show differences in calibre and yield depending on the region due to difference in growth conditions. Overall ground conditions are not optimal. The early harvest could lead to premature ageing in certain fields. Mildew is under control but has maybe caused a decrease in yield (only in the North of France).
Based on the NEPG's average yields over the last 5 years, the 2014 harvest should be 25,240,000 tons more than 2013.