Great Britain potato estimate 25% down

The Potato Council’s provisional estimate of total production in Great Britain for the 2012 crop year is 4.56 million tonnes, down 25% from 2011 and the lowest GB production since 1976. The reduction in production is due to both lower planted area and lower yields.

Potato areas and production in Great Britain 2002-2012

Planted area is estimated at 121,800 ha2, down 5% from 2011. Average yields for GB are estimated down 21%, to 37.4 tonnes/ha4, compared with 47.4 t/ha in 2011.
From April, planting progress and crop development were affected by unusually cold, dull and wet conditions across GB. All regions were affected by the difficult conditions but the magnitude of the impact varied crucially on when crops were planted, soil type and topography.

Total Potato Production in Great Britain 2002-2012 (click to enlarge)

As of Thursday 22nd November, an estimated 11% (13,100ha) of the GB crop was yet to be lifted. The production estimate assumes that this remaining area will be harvested. With prices currently at historically-high levels, the incentive to clear this remaining area is higher than normal. Should any significant area remain unharvested, the estimate for GB production of potatoes would be affected. The Potato Council will revise.