World wakes up to the potential of the potato TRADE AND MARKETING China currently produces 100 million tonnes of potatoes and there is a Government aim to double that production ment for a 4.3% reduction in production. But if the decline in consumption that was experienced between 1975 and 2010 is experienced then there would be a 24.1% reduction in production and similar historic yield gains would reduce the area needed to grow potatoes by 42%. These figures are mirrored in the EU. Maintaining the 2010 supply rates in Africa over the next 35 years would require a doubling of production to 65 million tonnes. But if the increase seen in personal demand is maintained then there would need to be 178% increase in output to 90 million tonnes. North American and South American production needs to increase by around 20% under both scenarios and a similar increase in yields as the 1975 to 2010 rate would see the area devoted to potatoes drop by 23%. The South American potato land area would be down 28% if yields maintain their historic gains. Output in Oceania needs to increase by around two thirds to maintain the current levels of supply for an increasing population. Although the figures suggest that there might be a decline in the European potato industry, there will still be a need for European production. Along with North America and Oceania, the five main potato countries of Europe – Germany, Netherlands, France, UK and Belgium regularly deliver yields of more than 40 tonnes per hectare. That is an essential benchmark if successful potato processing operations are to be developed. These figures are just a guide, but they point to a positive future for the world’s potato industry. ● Cedric Porter World Potato Markets www.worldpotatomarkets.com Potato World 2016 • number 1 39 Pagina 38
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