Western European potato area cut 11%, contract prices remain low
The total area sown with ware potatoes in the main Western European producer countries has dropped by approximately 11% in 2026, with contract prices for new season potatoes in the region around €12.50 per 100 kg.
In 2026, farmers in the main Western European potato-producing countries—Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany—reduced the area under potatoes by about 67,000 hectares, or 11%, compared to the previous year. The largest cut was in Belgium at 16.6%, followed by the Netherlands at 15.1%, and France at 9.7%. This reduction follows a season marked by exceptionally low market prices, with previous trading months seeing prices as low as €0–2 per 100 kg.
Contract prices offered by processors in the region for 2026 potato harvests are reported at around €12.50 per 100 kg for direct-from-field deliveries. Producer organizations indicate these prices do not cover rising input costs for fertilizers, fuel, electricity, and machinery, putting pressure on farm profitability and potentially affecting future supply.
In Ukraine, imports of potatoes reached 19,100 tonnes in the first five months of 2026, valued at €11.2 million. Egypt was the leading supplier, accounting for 25.8% of Ukrainian imports, overtaking Azerbaijan (19%) and Poland (16.6%). In the same period of 2025, Poland had been Ukraine's main supplier with a 37.1% share, while Egypt and the Netherlands followed with 13.6% and 11.6%, respectively. The shift is attributed to Egypt's earlier harvest and ability to supply before the start of the local and Polish seasons.
In Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region continues to emphasize early potato production, with harvests of fresh, new potatoes available until the end of August. Crop management is increasingly influenced by the need for water efficiency due to high temperatures, prompting a shift to micro-irrigation and precision agriculture to maintain yields and quality.
The Spanish region of Castilla y León has started its new potato campaign, with over 1,000 hectares harvested. The harvest is part of a broader push for sustainable and efficient production, focusing on reducing water use and emissions, and improving soil health through regenerative agriculture techniques.
The adoption of new packaging and dosing technologies for potatoes is increasing in Italy, with machinery now allowing a reduction in plastic use by up to 35%. This change is driven by retailer and regulatory demands for more sustainable packaging, which may affect potato export logistics and costs across Europe.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker