Only 9.2 million tonnes of potatoes expected in Germany

The 62nd international autumn potato fair took place on September 24, which drew around 170 guests from at home and abroad, as well as 27 exhibitors. The unusual 2013 potato year was good topic for conversation, reports the German website Proplanta.de.

Dieter Tepel, president of the German potato trade union, emphasised that the potato branch is facing a tense situation in 2013. The consumer will also notice the consequences. The price of potatoes may be higher than in previous years, but compared to other European countries they are still relatively low in Germany.

The potato cultivation in Germany covers a surface of around 240,000 hectares this year. The cultivation area of consumption potatoes remained almost unchanged at 97,800 hectares. However, the weather conditions have caused harvest drop out. At the moment the total German potato harvest is estimated to be 9.2 million tonnes by World Potato Markets. This is a small harvest compared to the multiple year average, and it will also be below that of last year.

Source: FreshPlaza