| Arable
Potato plantings down three per cent amid extreme weather conditions
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board ( AHDB ) estimates that the total area in Great Britain planted with potatoes is 119,000 hectares ( ha ), a fall of three per cent on the previous year .
T his would represent the thirdlowest planted area on record . The news comes in a challenging season for potato growers , with an agricultural drought likely to affect yields . AHDB ’ s Sector Strategy Director for Potatoes , Dr Rob Clayton , believes that a resilient industry will maintain the supply of our Britishgrown crop .
He said : “ Potatoes are a vital crop for families , providing 14 per cent of the vitamin C consumed in Britain as a staple that some of our favourite meals are based on .
“ This has been a tough and stressful season for growers , we do not underestimate that . However , we welcome news that supply chains are working closer than ever before , and that continual improvements are leading to reduced food waste at all points from the grower to the consumer .”
The Environment Agency ( EA ) yesterday ( 1 August ) announced further support for drought-hit farmers , ahead of the NFU ’ s drought summit held on the same day . While ,
In Scotland SEPA has given a commitment to help growers continue to access the water they need for irrigation .
The ultimate size of the potato crop , and how the market firms in response , will not be known until harvest . At five year average yields , this would equate to a total potato harvest of 5.7 million tonnes ( Mt ).
Dr Clayton said : “ The season started 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 . There is still some growing season to go , so it is impossible to accurately predict how far down they will be . “ Variables such as the weather and the availability of irrigation could go some way to mitigating earlier conditions . Growers will be making contact with local EA agents to understand the additional flexibility on abstraction announced yesterday . Equally important will be the regular contact between growers and customers as they work to make the most from this year ’ s crop .”
The table above provides examples of the potential size of the British crop , based on a reduction from the five-year average yield . For example a yield reduction of 10 per cent , added to the predicted three per cent fall in planted area would see a total crop of 5.1 Mt , down 16 per cent . If the agricultural drought persists , then yields could be lower still .
Dr Clayton said : “ The good news for consumers is , thanks to the tireless efforts of growers , they will be able to enjoy potatoes and potato products over the coming year . “ What we are likely to see are smaller potatoes , but levels of vitamins and fibre will be unaffected and potatoes will remain a great value food .”
Growers can find further information and resources at ahdb . org . uk / drought
12 | Farming Monthly | August 2018 www . farmingmonthly . co . uk