Northwestern Europe’s potato crop may fall 25% from last year

Food potato production in Northwestern Europe could fall to 20.695 mln tons in 2026, down 25.4% from last year and 13.7% below the five-year average.

The decline is being driven by both lower planted area and unfavorable weather. Farmers planted 521.5 thsd ha of potatoes this spring, 13.7% less than in 2025, while heat and drought in July and August further reduced yield potential.

Average yields in the region are forecast at 40.5 t/ha, down 13.9% y/y. Production is estimated at 3.431 mln tons in Belgium, 7.55 mln tons in Germany, 6.485 mln tons in France and 3.229 mln tons in the Netherlands.

According to the North-Western European Potato Growers association, some producers, particularly in Belgium and France, may face difficulties meeting contracted delivery volumes because of the smaller crop.

Experts are urging processors and traders to be more flexible on tuber size, while growers are being encouraged to shift toward varieties that are more resistant to heat, drought and late blight.

Tags: EU, potato, harvest