Europe enters new potato season with a smaller crop and higher costs

Europe’s potato market is entering the new season with smaller planted area, weaker yields in some key regions and higher production costs. In Poland, prices are gradually rising, but expensive fuel and transport are significantly eroding farmers’ margins.

Poland’s potato area fell by 11% in 2026 to 185 thsd hectares from 210 thsd hectares a year earlier. The area under seed potatoes also declined by 14%.

Southern Poland was hit hardest by drought and prolonged heat, which reduced the number of tubers per plant. Conditions were better in the north, although excessive rainfall and the risk of tuber rot created additional problems.

At the end of September, packed table potatoes at the Bronisze wholesale market were priced at PLN 0.66–1.00/kg, while unpacked potatoes were around PLN 0.50–0.90/kg. At the same time, high fuel and logistics costs are limiting the benefit of higher prices for growers.

Similar problems are being seen elsewhere in Europe. Germany’s potato crop is expected at around 10.4 mln tons this year, down 2.4 mln tons from a year earlier, due to an 11% reduction in planted area and the impact of a hot, dry summer.

Tags: EU, prices, potato