Updated provisional estimate of 2012 GB potato supply

Due to the importance of business information in an exceptional season AHDB/PCL has updated its estimates following the receipt of further Grower Panel1 yield forms, updated lifting data and additional intelligence. Average yields for GB are now estimated at 38.1 tonnes/ha against an original estimate of 37.4 tonnes/ha. The revised end of season lifting estimate indicates unlifted area of less than 5%.

Due to the increase in yield provisional 2012 GB production is now estimated to be 4.64 million tonnes2, down 24% from 2011 and the lowest GB production since 1976.
This reduction is due to both lower planted area and lower yields. Planted area is still estimated at 121,800 ha3, down 5% from 2011. Average yields4 for GB are now estimated down 20%, to 38.1 tonnes/ha, compared with 47.4 t/ha in 2011.

The end of season lifting estimate now indicates a smaller unlifted area than previously reported. It is estimated to be less than 5% of total planted area. It is not viable to report further updates due to the late stage of harvest completion and uncertainties surrounding the exceptional season.

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.

Table 1: Total Potato Production in Great Britain 2002-2012

Figure 1: Potato areas and production in Great Britain 2002-2012

For more information:
Jim Davies
Potato Council
Tel: +44 2476 478 786
E-mail: jim.davies@ahdb.org.uk
Website: http://www.potato.org.uk