First UNPT Estimates in Regard to the French 2023 Potato Production Show Fluctuations
According to a poll conducted by L'Union Nationale des Producteurs de Pommes de Terre (UNPT) panel of growers, the estimated final French potato production in storage (fresh and industrial) for the 2023 crop would be 43,6 tonnes per hectare.
“Despite very great heterogeneity between outlets and varieties, this figure underlines the catch-up of national production after the catastrophic harvest of 2022 (39 t/ha). However, the yield would be slightly lower than that of the ten-year average,” according to a recent UNPT press release.
The weather during the 2023 crop campaign was extremely unpredictable, varying between cold, heavy rains, and flash drought, which led to significant planting delays, unheard-of emergence and growth issues, physiological issues with tubers, and strong pressure mildew in some production areas.
Given that the potato harvest has only recently begun, specialists from UNPT have expressed concern about the quality in light of the variety heterogeneity, planting dates, dry matter rate, state of health, and presence of physiological abnormalities. The final evaluation of marketable production and the availability of potatoes in the upcoming months could both be affected by all of these variables.
“All these elements converge to demonstrate that there will be no surplus potatoes to supply the French and European markets until the next harvest in 2024. Let us just remember that the surface area of European potatoes in 2023 is lower than in 2020, even though demand increased by almost 2m tonnes!” the above-mentioned experts added.
In light of the upcoming 2024 campaign, UNPT members stated that this circumstance highlights the urgent need to improve the allure, organization, and potential of French potato production.
“The UNPT will remain extremely attentive to any developments, commercial or regulatory, which would slow down this dynamic of sustainable and harmonious growth of potato production in France,” they concluded.
L'Union Nationale des Producteurs de Pommes de Terre (UNPT) is the representative organization of potato producers in France. It works to promote and defend the interests of production while working to promote sustainable agricultural practices and quality potato production.
