French potato acreage shrinks less than hoped

The acreage of ware potatoes in France is shrinking by 5.2% this year to 182,000 hectares. That is the first estimate from statistical service Agreste of the French Ministry of Agriculture. Various parties had called for a stronger decline. The contraction remains limited especially in the two main potato regions. Various parties in the potato chain urged a strong contraction in Northwest Europe last winter. The strong growth over the past two years, combined with marketing problems in the fries sector, has led this season to a large surplus of potatoes for fries. To restore balance to the market, various parties advocated a contraction of around 15% or more. Especially in France, more and more potatoes have been grown over the past two years. In 2023, the acreage of ware potatoes was still 154,000 hectares. Two years later, the cultivation area increased to 192,000 hectares. This means the acreage grew by 38,000 hectares, or by a quarter. First indication Despite the call for a strong contraction, the acreage appears to be decreasing less strongly than hoped. It is worth keeping in mind that this is a first indication. Last year, Agreste still assumed in April a decline of 1.4%, while in the end there was a growth of 20,000 hectares, or 12.1%. According to Agreste's estimate, cultivation in the two main potato regions in the northwest, Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardie, is declining by only 3%. In the northernmost part of France, an acreage of ware potatoes of 61,000 hectares is expected. In Picardie, 53,600 hectares are expected. Agreste expects a larger decline in the acreage of ware potatoes in Bretagne and especially in the departments Centre and Haute-Normandie. In these regions, a contraction of around 15% is expected. In Centre, the acreage is expected to reach around 14,000 hectares and in Haute-Normandie 12,000 hectares. Starch potato cultivation declines furtherAccording to the first estimate, starch potato cultivation is declining further. Agreste is currently aiming for an acreage reduction of 3.9%, bringing the acreage to 10,377 hectares. Four years ago, this was still 20,877 hectares. The growth in fries potato cultivation has displaced starch cultivation in recent years. In parts of Haute-Normandie, starch potato cultivation is actually increasing. Growth of 14% is expected there to almost 1,000 hectares. This brings cultivation in this area back to the level of 2022. Starch potatoes are mainly grown in the northwest of France. In the department Picardie, a decline of 5% to 8,127 hectares is expected. Cultivation is also decreasing by a similar amount in Pas-de-Calais. Fewer sugar beets Sugar beet cultivation is also declining in France. In this estimate, Agreste arrives at an acreage of 379,124 hectares. That is 4.6% less than last year and 5% below the five-year average.