Mars report anticipates a moderate potato harvest

The monthly MARS report from the European JRC (Joint Research Committee) does not fully align with the sometimes very optimistic yield figures for potatoes in their latest forecast. In most cases, yields are below those of last year and the multi-year average.

For the Netherlands, the JRC estimates an average yield of 39 tons per hectare. This is unchanged compared to the September forecast. It is 7% lower than last year's estimate (41.8 tons/ha) and 8% lower than the five-year average of 42.2 tons/ha. The JRC combines all types (ware, starch, seed potatoes) in their yield forecast.

Yields below average
In Belgium, this decline is even greater, with 10% fewer potatoes compared to last year. Researchers expect 39.2 tons/ha compared to 43.5 tons last year and 41.4 tons on average (5% less). Germany and France both show a yield that is 3% above the five-year average. Germany's yield is 43.3 tons and France's is 42 tons.

Extreme rainfall has limited impact
Countries that experienced extreme rainfall in September are showing red numbers, but this is not solely due to the heavy rain. In countries like Poland and Romania, it was previously very dry, which has affected yields. For Poland, the JRC estimates a yield that is 2% above average (and 1% below last year). In Romania, it is even 15% below average (and 5% below last year). The flooded areas have had a small impact on national figures.

Satellite observations and weather data also indicate that excessive rainfall this autumn is locally delaying the potato harvest. This is the case in France, among other places. However, researchers see no reason to adjust the yield for this reason. In Germany, the harvest is still ongoing and conditions are better, despite significant rainfall in the west and south.

Sugar beet yield varies
For sugar beets, the picture is more mixed. The October forecast expects a 4% decrease in beet yield (82 tons/ha). This is 3% below average. The major European sugar beet countries - France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom - all show higher figures. Countries that have experienced drought and flooding this autumn are notably in red.