Figures were released by the British Potato Council today and show that the UK can expect the smallest potato crop for several years.

Total plantings will therefore be significantly down compared to plantings of between 138,700-155,600ha over the past five years.

According to Guy Gagen at the BPC, the main reasons for the decline involve growers' decisions to minimise risk. 'The reduction in planted area is not the direct result of any low prices, but the consequence of producers growing for a market and cutting back on speculative plantings,' said Gagen. 'There is more contracted growing, not just for processing, but for the fresh market as well with contracts available for supermarkets. Others have told us that they are restructuring their business to spread risk and potatoes do not feature as strongly.' The news is being greeted warmly by producers who are optimistic about the prospects for the season. The effect on returns to producers should also be positive, although this will not filter through to those who have already signed fixed-price contracts.

However, the UK could become a target for other European supply countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and France all of which have forecast planted area just one per cent down on 2002.

Weather conditions over the summer will prove crucial in determining final yields however as disease or dry harvest conditions will affect volumes lifted and stored.

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