Europe’s potato business falls sufferer to excessive climate

Excessive climate incidents are serving to rock Europe’s potato business to its very foundations. Final yr was really the second warmest yr on document in Europe.

The drought situations resulted in a dramatic downturn in general potato output.

Estimate figures recommend that the harvest throughout northern Europe, UK and Eire was round two million tonnes lower than regular.

That’s round one third of the whole UK and Eire potato manufacturing with packers and processers now striving to produce prospects from a quick dwindling provide base.

The top outcome was a dramatic improve in costs, significantly inside the potato processing sector.

Potato business

Angus Wilson, chairman of Wilson’s Nation Potatoes commented: “Earlier this yr, massive portions of potatoes have been exported out of Eire and the UK to nations all through Europe.

“And this commerce has elevated exponentially over latest months. I can’t fault Irish growers for getting concerned.

“On the again of the enter prices they have been dealing with final yr and excessive storage prices attributable to elevated vitality costs, it made sense to get the doable costs they may get for potatoes in retailer.

“However the upshot of all that is the truth that Irish and UK potato shares have by no means been at decrease ranges.”

Including to all of that is the truth that excessive climate occasions have additionally impacted on the potato business in 2023.

“Latest floods in Italy and throughout most of southern Europe haven’t allowed potato growers in these areas to get on with their regular planting actions,” Angus Wilson defined.

“And it has been the identical story right here in Eire. After a wonderful February, the chilly, moist spring severely delayed the planting of potatoes on many farms by as much as six weeks.

“I do know of many situations the place important crop potatoes weren’t put into the bottom till final week. That is far too late.”

It’s usually accepted that Irish and UK potato crops will attain full floor cowl by the summer time solstice – June 21.

“Within the overwhelming majority of case, this goal progress indicator is not going to be achieved in 2023. The top outcome shall be a major drop-off in yields come this yr’s harvest,” Wilson confirmed.

Shortfall in potatoes

All of this provides as much as an ideal storm for Europe’s potato business.

“And Eire is caught in the midst of all this,” the Wilson’s Nation consultant harassed.

“I can predict with virtually full confidence {that a} shortfall in Irish potato output in 2023 shall be matched by related experiences in different nations.

“And, after all, these points will carry over into 2024. So we’re most likely trying at the least two consecutive years of difficult market situations for the potato business.”

Based on the Wilson’s Nation consultant, it’s nonetheless too early to precisely gauge the extent of potato plantings in Eire this yr.

“Given the very late spring and the persevering with market uncertainty, some growers might resolve to chop down on planting ranges this yr,” he stated.

“We simply don’t know. And, after all, all of that is merely including to the challenges going through growers, the place enter prices are involved.”

“Given the occasions which have unfolded over the previous two years, the price of potatoes has elevated considerably over latest months and is continuous to extend, particularly the specialist processing and chipping varieties,” WIlson added.

“That is coming at a time when demand for potatoes and potato merchandise is beginning to develop as soon as once more. It is a tremendously constructive story for the potato sector. The down facet is that the business might not be capable to meet this demand over the approaching 12 months.

“And that is all as a result of excessive climate situations which have impacted throughout Europe over the previous two rising seasons.”