Euro-Potato: Uncertainty remains regarding output and quality of this season’s EU 5 crop

EU 5 total ware potato area still remains uncertain. Although provisional estimates predict little overall change from 2009, there is a feeling that the Belgian area may be considerably more than anticipated. Also, irregular weather patterns across northern Europe still leave many questions outstanding regarding the production and quality of the 2010 crop. In some cases early crop output is already showing a 50% reduction on last year, and some experts think supplies during

August may become limited. Growing conditions have improved in the last 10 days, with some rain across parts of northern Europe, and late varieties still have potential. However, the dry season is starting to cause concern as land remains very dry in most countries. As a result early crop yields are low with a growing expectation that maincrop outputs will also be reduced considerably, compared with most recent seasons.

No carry-over from the 2009 maincrop season is expected which is already having a firm effect on new season trading. Currently, although markets show wide price ranges depending on condition and quality of samples, a strong demand from all trade sectors is reported, with values increasing during the first week of August.

This Euro-Potato report of August 5, 2010 looks at the interesting situations unfolding regarding the 2010 crop on the continent, as well as further east in Europe. Some of these factors may have particular interest and opportunities for GB growers, traders and exporters in the weeks and months ahead.