VTA organized a trial grubbing among its members in mid-August, according to a set protocol. This yield measurement has taken place since 2001, and is always carried out at the same time of year. With the trial grubbing, samples are taken from a large number of consumption varieties across the Netherlands.
The results of the August measurement are based on samples from a representative group of VTA members across the Netherlands.
The average yield of the samples has been determined at 41,917 kg per hectare. In 2014, this was 49,965 kg per ha. This means the potato production so far is 16% lower compared to last season. Compared to the 5-year average, the production is 7.1% lower. The average number of tubers, with 188 units in the sample (2x3 metres) is relatively low, with the >50 mm percentage being 57% this year. Over the past 5 years, on average this percentage was 65% with trial harvests in August. There are quite a few differences in size among the various varieties. The Agria, Innovator and Victoria are largest. The number of tubers is a bit lower for these varieties though, which means the yields per hectare aren't extremely divergent among the varieties.
Between plots, there are significant differences though. Whether big differences will continue to exist in the end, depends on the evolution in the coming months. In terms of potential, there still seems to be a big difference. Growers note that crops are still very green, while others say the crops are already starting to wither. Some others also say that there is some early sprouting. Mid-September, another trial grubbing will take place among the same group of growers.