EU Potato Production Declines by 37% in 20 Years Due to Climate Change and Shifting Consumer Trends
As highlighted in a recent Eurostat report, potato production within the EU has experienced a significant decline between 2000 and 2023. A sector representative explained to Euractiv that this decrease is attributed to stricter EU regulations on pesticides, climate changes across Europe, and evolving consumer preferences.
Potatoes play a crucial role in European cuisine, from Belgian fries and Spanish tortilla de patata to Italian gnocchi. However, over the last two decades, annual production has dropped by 36.7%, equating to a reduction of 27.9 million tonnes compared to 2000 data published by Eurostat on 8 August.
In 2023, EU countries harvested 48.3 million tonnes of potatoes, representing a slight increase from 47.5 million tonnes in 2022, a year characterized by severe drought conditions. Germany remains the leading producer, contributing 24% of the total EU potato output, followed by France with nearly 18% and the Netherlands at 13.4%. Conversely, Romania and Poland host the largest number of potato farms, although these farms are smaller in terms of economic impact.
Berta Redondo, Secretary General of Europatat, a Brussels-based potato trade association, pointed out that several factors are responsible for the decline in potato production. She noted the “radical changes in the European climate,” referencing the drought conditions of 2022 and the excessive rainfall experienced in Western Europe during the autumn and spring.
The tightening of EU pesticide regulations also poses challenges for potato farmers. Redondo highlighted that farmers have increasingly limited options for combating pests and diseases. For instance, the European Commission did not renew the approval for ethoprophos in 2019, a pesticide effective against wireworms in potato crops, and banned the outdoor use of three neonicotinoids in 2018 due to their harmful impact on pollinators.
Additionally, rising production costs—especially for fuel and energy linked to the Ukraine conflict—have further pressured the sector. “All this could push farmers towards less risky crops,” Redondo remarked.
Shifting consumer habits are another factor negatively affecting EU potato production. Young consumers are increasingly reducing their carbohydrate intake or opting for “more exotic” alternatives to potatoes. To address this trend, Europatat launched a €3.4 million promotional campaign in 2020, co-financed by the European Commission, aimed at engaging millennials in regions such as Flanders (Belgium), France, and Ireland. This campaign, which will run until 2025, showcases over 300 recipes designed to incorporate potatoes into contemporary diets, leveraging influencers and celebrities to enhance the tuber’s image and appeal.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.