Production potential not yet exhausted: current trends in potato production in the new Federal Lander

摘要

Potato growers in both East and West Germany had a good 1998/99 season with high prices as a result of harvesting problems for industrial potatoes in major producing regions leading to good profits. Ware potatoes were also achieving good profits with prices increasing from DM 20/dt in August 1998 to DM 37 in spring 1999 with a peak of DM 50 in December in some areas. Trends in production have varied widely regionally with increases in the South and reductions in the North. The new Federal Lander asa whole increased production by 2900 ha to 58 235 ha. Early potatoes played a minor role in East German production with late varieties and particularly industrial varieties of much more significance. Seed potatoes were also an important branch.