Overview
The 2024 potato harvest has proven to be another difficult season for European farmers. According to Expana, the Expana Benchmark Price (EBP) for Dutch processing potatoes climbed to £165/MT in early December, representing an 18% month-on-month increase. This seasonal price uptick follows the typical post-harvest storage period. However, the current price remains 20% lower year-over-year, indicating a more successful harvest than 2023’s wet and problematic season.
Yield and Quality
The North-Western European Potato Growers (NEPG) report the average yield across the four NEPG countries at 43.8 tonnes/ha this 2024 potato harvest, slightly below the five-year average of 44.4 tonnes/ha. Although yields dipped marginally, overall potato quality is described as “good.” Still, the NEPG notes that harvesting took place under “very difficult and expensive conditions.”
Weather and Disease Pressures
Adverse weather impacted the 2024 potato harvest from the start. Rainfall delayed both planting and harvesting, while prolonged wet conditions significantly elevated late blight pressures—among the highest in recent years. Farmers had to implement rigorous control measures, adding complexity and cost to the season’s operations.
Rising Production Costs
Production costs soared in 2024, surpassing 2023 levels by €1,000/ha. The NEPG attributes this jump to higher expenses for seed handling (cutting, chitting, drying, cooling), increased late blight control efforts, and escalated storage costs. Construction and machinery expenses also trended upward, adding strain to already tight profit margins.
Industry Consolidation and Future Outlook
As the financial and operational burdens of the 2024 potato harvest intensify, concerns grow regarding the sustainability of smaller EU potato farms. Rising risks and expenses may prompt some growers to exit the market, potentially leading to further industry consolidation. Larger, well-equipped operations are better positioned to navigate these hurdles, potentially reshaping the EU’s potato production landscape in the years ahead.
For more insights and updates on the 2024 potato harvest, global potato markets, and industry trends, stay tuned to Expana’s detailed coverage.
