Most potato farmers across the NEPG zone had a lot of luck during October and the beginning of November to finish harvesting, even though some of the harvesting was done in very difficult and expensive conditions. Some of the harvested crops, either due to quality issues during the summer or poor harvesting conditions, were stored only for a few days or weeks and then had to be evacuated. However, overall quality is good, with high enough weights and lengths. During destocking, higher tara (greens, rots, etc.) must nevertheless be taken into account.
2024 yields (43.8 t/ha) are 0.6 t/ha below the 5-year average (44.4 t/ha) as well as last year's average yield (44.4 t/ha). Yield ranges throughout the NEPG zone varied significantly, from less than 20 t/ha to over 70 t/ha, largely depending on planting dates. The total EU-04 hectarage expanded by 37,700 ha (+7.2%), and total production rose by 6.9% to 24.6 million tons (+1.6 million tons). At the same time, processors' needs have also increased.
Higher production costs in field and storage
Overall, 2024 production costs were higher than in 2023. On average, these costs have risen by a minimum of €1,000/ha, and in many cases, they were significantly higher. Additional expenses related to seed handling (cutting, chitting, drying, and cooling before planting) and the more costly control of late blight in fields contributed to these increases. Potato storage costs this season are also higher, not to mention the rising costs of buildings and machinery now and soon.
Potato farmers face multiple new or more difficult issues
With extremely high late blight pressure, the need to use two or more compounds per spray (due to resistant or new late blight strains), the loss of some active materials, and the prolonged planting and harvesting season, growers face increasing risks and expenses.
Additionally, the emergence of new problems, such as edible nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and Stolbur (a phytoplasm), in different growing regions adds to the challenges. Seed availability, much of it controlled by the processing industry, and increasing difficulties in hiring land on an annual basis, further complicate matters for growers.
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