Amended estimates of planted potato area in Europe

Some EU 5 countries have amended their estimates of planted area for the 2009 crop over the last month. In Holland the Dutch Statistical Office published results of its May survey of growers which shows Ware plantings at 68,800 ha, which is now slightly lower (- 0.72%) than the 69,300 ha in 2008. Within the figures there appears to be a shift from the heavier soils to lighter land.

Clay soil area went down from 50,260 in 2008 to 48,600 this year, whilst on the sandy soils area went up by more than 1,000 ha, an increase of 7%. These latest figures remain provisional with the final estimate to be made at the end of the year.

In GB the total planted area estimate made in June has also been revised. Total area is now estimated at 130,268 ha. This is a very similar area to the 2008 figure of 130,200. The area of Ware potatoes has also been updated. Ware planting is estimated to be 0.8% higher than last year at 109,300 ha, compared with 108,400 in 2008.