According to the Organization of Potato Producers in Northwestern Europe (NEPG), the area under potatoes in the five largest northwestern countries where potatoes are grown increased by 2.2% to a record 611,190 ha.
With the exception of the United Kingdom, the area under cultivation of table potatoes has increased in all member countries of the organization. The highest growth was recorded from 3.6% in Germany, where the area was increased, especially in Lower Saxony. There was no increase in area in the UK due to the limited availability of good seed.
Planting began on time and in good conditions in northwestern Europe, but the first weeks of potato growth were too cold. The condition of the plants is good, but it depends on the amount of rain, groundwater level, heat and irrigation efficiency. In Belgium, only 3-4% of the total potato growing area can be irrigated.
The first studies show average yields in Germany and above average yields in Belgium, where the first yields are 38 tons / ha. without irrigation.
In Germany, mainly irrigated areas have an average yield of 42 tons / ha. It is believed that especially early varieties yield good yields, while the yields of the main varieties may be below average due to drought.
However, the association emphasizes that the weather in the next three weeks is crucial. If there is no rain, average yields are unlikely to be high.
With regard to diseases and pest attacks in Member States, the phytotor is not a big problem in fairly dry weather conditions. The Netherlands, Belgium and northern France report an increase in the number of beetles.