European Countries Report Increased Potato Yields, While Import Trends Shift in Other Regions
Potato production across Europe and other regions is experiencing significant growth and shifts as we approach the end of the 2024 season. Key countries like France, Germany, and Spain have reported improved yields, while Georgia shows a notable decrease in potato imports. Below is an overview of the latest updates on potato yields and market dynamics across different regions.
European Potato Production Sees Promising Growth
According to the North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG), a new record crop is on the horizon. With an estimated average yield of 43.7 tons per hectare, total production across the EU-4 is expected to reach nearly 24.5 million tons, an 8% increase over last year. France has significantly contributed to this growth, increasing its planted area by 16%. In total, the planted area across the EU-4 stands at 560,000 hectares—7% larger than last year.
In Germany, the 2024 harvest is projected to set a new record. The official results from the Besondere Ernte- und Qualitätsermittlung (BEE) indicate a yield of approximately 12.7 million tons, a 9% increase from 2023. This growth is mainly attributed to a 9% expansion in the planted area, now reaching 289,300 hectares, the largest increase since 2004.
Spanish Mid-Season Potato Production Rises
In Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) has reported a 3.1% rise in potato production during the mid-season, reaching 822,063 tons. This comes despite a 1.8% reduction in the planted area, now down to 28,191 hectares. The regions of Galicia and Castilla y León continue to dominate mid-season potato production in Spain.
Record Potato Exports from France
France has achieved remarkable export numbers for potatoes, with 2.47 million tons exported in the first 11 months of the 2023-2024 season. This represents an 11% increase year-on-year, driven in part by the UK’s return to pre-Brexit import levels. Imports into France have also risen by 4%, reaching 400,000 tons.
Belarus Harvest on Track to Surpass 900,000 Tons
In Belarus, the 2024 potato harvest is well underway, with completion expected by mid-October. The estimated yield is projected to exceed 900,000 tons, with an average yield of 31.3 tons per hectare, more than enough to meet national needs.
Sharp Decline in Georgian Potato Imports
Meanwhile, Georgia has seen a sharp drop in potato imports, with just 6,351 tons imported between January and August 2024, a 71% decrease compared to the 22,161 tons imported in the same period in 2023. The top suppliers to Georgia in 2024 were Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey.
These reports indicate a dynamic shift in global potato production and trade patterns. As yields increase in Europe, regions like Georgia are rebalancing their import strategies. This evolving market offers opportunities and challenges for farmers, agronomists, and industry professionals alike
