Potato crop estimated to be 16% down on 2017

Growers reporting reduction in crops as a result of extreme weather

This year’s potato crop looks like being at least 16% smaller than in 2017, according to the latest crop estimates from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Extreme weather this spring meant the area planted with potatoes in Great Britain is 119,000 hectares, a fall of 3% on the previous year, and the third-lowest planted area on record.

With drought conditions continuing in many areas, it is too early to predict the ultimate size of the crop or how any shortage will lead to a firming of the market, but Dr Rob Clayton, the levy body’s potatoes director, estimated that with five-year average yields, this season’s plantings would equate to a total harvest of 5.7 million tonnes.

AHDB is expected to comment further on market prospects at Thursday’s Potatoes in Practice event at Invergowrie.

Dr Clayton said: “The season began with sub-zero temperatures brought by The Beast from the East, followed by a wet spring that delayed planting. Since then we’ve seen one of the driest combined June and July periods on record, so most growers are reporting that yields will be down.

“Farmers have been working round the clock to minimise this, with teams working overnight so that any water used does not evaporate in the hot sun. It is impossible to accurately predict how far down they will be.”

The drought in the south could lead to even lower yields, but at the AHDB’s strategic monitor farm at Bruce Farms, near Meigle, potato manager Kerr Howatson said recent rain meant they’ve been able to cut back on irrigation.

He said: “We had 1.5 inches of rain last week which helped. The scab risk is past now so we’re just irrigating for yield. We’re hopeful yields won’t be back too much.”

Meanwhile advice from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is for abstractors to switch to taking water from a groundwater borehole rather than a watercourse. The agency promises to fast-track applications to make the switch, and farmers are advised to contact their local team for advice.

It is impossible to accurately predict how far down they will be. AHDB POTATOES DIRECTOR DR ROB CLAYTON

AHDB potatoes director Dr Rob Clayton; trial plots will be on display at Potatoes in Practice at Balruddery Farm near Dundee on Thursday.