Drought in Europe threatens to reduce potato harvests and exports.

Hot and dry weather in the European Union countries is worsening the prospects for the gross harvest of potatoes, which may halt the recovery of export supplies.

The hot and dry weather in the European Union countries is worsening the prospects for the gross harvest of potatoes, which could halt the recovery of export supplies. This is reported by Mintec. According to analysts, the export of processed potatoes from the European Union to South America increased by 45.1% in June compared to last year, to the Middle East by 23%, and to Africa by 26.8%. However, supplies to Asia decreased by 23%. Nevertheless, further growth in exports is threatened due to a significant reduction in planting areas in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland. The situation has been complicated by 5 heatwaves and prolonged drought. According to forecasts from World Potato Markets, the total potato production in the European Union will fall below 40 million tons for the first time, which is approximately 15 million tons less than last ...