GB potato area forecast to shrink in 2023, pushing up prices

Reduced plantings and a cool, wet spring is expected to lead to firmer prices in the UK potato market, analysis suggests.

According to market information service World Potato Markets, the total GB potato area in 2023 is forecast at just 101,723ha – down from 117,466ha in 2020, when the AHDB ceased producing annual GB potato figures.

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Consultancy firm Andersons said that, even with a good yield of 46.7t/ha, as seen in 2020, production would only be 4.75m tonnes.

However, the wet spring has delayed planting, meaning yields are likely to be even lower.

Late harvest

“The prospect of a late harvest and a small 2023 crop has pushed prices up in the UK. It is a similar story on the Continent, with prices rising to record levels,” said the firm.

Graham Bannister, consultant at GB Potatoes, told Farmers Weekly the general feeling was that people had cut back on their area.

“This, combined with what was a very difficult planting season, and now a slow-growing season, could have an effect on availability and yield.

“But potatoes are very good at making up for difficulties, so this next stage is very critical,” he added.

Mr Bannister said there has been an uplift in prices and there is definitely a tightening of supply in some sectors, such as the chip shop trade and the packing sector.

“Contracts for next year are set and people will be getting what the contract is. There has been a little bit of an uplift, but whether it is enough sustainability wise, I’m not so sure.”

GB Potatoes is hosting a meeting on 20 June at Wisbech Rugby Club for producers to hear more about the new group’s proposals.

A second meeting is scheduled to take place in Scotland on 27 June.