3.5% increase in NEPG estimated potato 2014
In addition, the mainland NEPG countries report an increase in the number of contracts being signed for the coming season compared to last year, particularly with processors.
The first indication of GB potato area for the 2014 crop year will be available towards the end of June following the receipt of grower planting returns. For that reason this initial NEPG estimate uses the GB five year average area figure.
The area estimate for the NEPG will be updated as the season develops and will be accompanied by a yield and production estimate when available.
Latest position across western Europe
New Season planings: According to the latest NEPG release, overall plantings are ahead of schedule. It is suggested that around 60% of the NEPG area had been planted by the middle of April. With exception of some soils, including heavier lands which have been difficult to work, planting conditions have been good. A lack of rain in many of the producing regions has also been reported.
The latest from Phaff Export Marketing (as at w/e 18 April) reports that progress in the Netherlands has been strong with growers approaching the end of planting, having been operating in generally good conditions accompanied by some rain. In Germany, planting is nearing completion, though in some areas conditions have been too dry requiring irrigation to be used. Planting has also been moving along well in France, though there is further work still to be done and in Belgium three quarters of the crop is reported as being in the ground, with some awaiting warmer soil temperatures for their fresh sector crops.
The Potato Council Grower Panel Planting Survey estimates that c.63,000ha of the GB crop was planted to 19 April. This estimate is up c.24,000ha on the same week in 2013 (39,000ha, 32% planted) and c.7,000ha less than at the same point in 2012 (c.70,000ha, 57% planted).
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