PotatoEurope and SugarBeet Expo to address low European crop yields

The PotatoEurope and SugarBeet Expo are set to open in Springe, Germany, featuring over 290 exhibitors and approximately 12,000 professional visitors. The event focuses on professional potato and sugar beet cultivation amidst a challenging market environment.

Industry experts report that Europe and the United Kingdom are facing historically small harvests due to fluctuating qualities and environmental factors. In the EU, potato cultivation areas have decreased by roughly 11 percent, with early potato acreage dropping by more than 20 percent. Low yields have been observed in non-irrigated regions of Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany.

At the event, companies such as Bavaria-Saat Vertriebs GmbH are showcasing new varieties designed to withstand extreme weather, including heat and low precipitation. New varieties like ‘Jutta’ and ‘Uta’ are being presented for their resistance to diseases and suitability for both direct marketing and food retail packaging. Additionally, the starch sector is highlighting varieties like ‘Bavatop’ for their consistent yields across diverse soil and precipitation conditions.