Shifts in potato varieties planted in Great Britain

The revised estimate for the total 2018 potato planted area in Great Britain is 117.3Kha, down 4.4% from the 2017 area of 122.8Kha.

The updated value is 2.1Kha below the first August estimate (119.4Kha).

The revised estimate represents the GB area covered by over 90% of producers, and reflects both lasts years high production and challenging market conditions, coupled with the difficulties in planting in spring. Despite the fall in the overall GB area, there continues to be change within the sector.

Potato Varieties planted in Great Britain this year

Movement was seen within the top 10 potato varieties this year, although the top three most widely grown varieties have retained their position.

Additionally, the longer term trend for a declining Maris Piper area likely reflects changes in the incentives for growers.

Growers could be opting to choose to grow on contract for specific sectors rather than choosing a more versatile variety such as Maris Piper. Another, and perhaps more influential, reason could relate to agronomic factors, with Maris Piper not performing as well in relation to scab and rots as newer, more resistant, varieties.

Nectar climbed two places to become the fourth most widely grown potato variety in Great Britain, rising 500 ha on the year to 3700 ha. Positive reports about the yield potential and packing market demand for Nectar are likely to have driven the area increase.

Royal, a popular variety for the contracted French fries market has seen one of largest rises on the year, up 500 ha to enter the top 10 at 2900 ha.

Its rising popularity is linked to reportedly better agronomic qualities over rival frying varieties.