A Challenging Growing Season in Belgium Delays Potato Harvest, While France and Germany Progress Steadily
The current potato market is experiencing a period of calm, as industry players prepare for the upcoming main harvest. According to Jurgen Duthoo and Stijn De Pourcq of Warnez Potatoes, a Belgian potato packer that will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025, the main potato crop in Belgium is still some weeks away from harvesting. At the moment, the market is seeing an influx of French potatoes, while Belgian growers remain patient due to a delayed planting season.
“In France, we have already begun harvesting,” the Warnez team explained. “However, in Belgium, harvesting is only starting for some early potatoes, mainly for industrial use. The wet conditions in spring led to a planting delay of four to six weeks, and although the crops have made up some ground, there remains a delay of three to five weeks in Belgium, parts of southern Netherlands, and northern France,” Stijn De Pourcq detailed.
While exact timelines remain uncertain, some firm potatoes might be harvested in September. However, larger-scale harvesting in Belgium will likely not begin until later. Seed potato growers, who typically begin harvesting in mid-August, are also waiting, highlighting the patience required this season. As De Pourcq mentioned, “We are dependent on nature, and the coming weeks will reveal how the main harvest will shape up.”
Other European growing regions are faring better. France, Germany, and most of the Netherlands are more or less on schedule, reporting satisfactory production levels. In prime growing areas, harvests are averaging out, with some fields showing stronger yields than others. Early potatoes destined for the industry have also shown decent harvests, benefiting from recent rains, especially in sandy soils where water drains more easily.
Despite the gradual ramp-up of the season, market activity remains subdued. Jurgen Duthoo noted that exports are particularly quiet, likely due to sufficient local production in various regions. While there have been occasional inquiries for niche products, they are not in large volumes. For now, the focus is on monitoring and evaluating crops to prepare for the main harvest.
The domestic market in Belgium has also slowed down, partly due to the holiday season and fluctuating weather conditions. The alternating periods of heavy rain and heat have led to lower-than-average potato consumption. This has caused price volatility across different products. Early potatoes intended for industrial use have seen declining prices, while niche products, such as bantam potatoes, are experiencing scarcity and firmer prices.
As the industry waits for the main harvest from Belgium, Duthoo and De Pourcq remain optimistic about the upcoming season and look forward to celebrating Warnez Potatoes’ 75th anniversary in 2025. Preparations for the celebration are already underway, signaling a hopeful outlook for the future despite the current challenges.
