EU Potato Production Drops 37% Due to Climate and Consumer Changes

A recent Eurostat report highlights a significant decline in potato production across the European Union from 2000 to 2023, with various factors contributing to this trend. A sector representative informed Euractiv that stricter EU regulations on pesticides, changing climate conditions, and evolving consumer preferences are key drivers behind the downturn. Despite a slight increase in 2023, with EU countries harvesting 48.3 million tonnes of potatoes, the overall production remains under pressure. Germany remains the largest producer, contributing 24% of the total EU output, followed by France at nearly 18% and the Netherlands at 13.4%. The tightening of pesticide regulations has been particularly impactful, as farmers face increasing challenges in managing pests and diseases. Notably, the European Commission's decision not to renew the approval for ethoprophos in 2019 and the 2018 ban on certain neonicotinoids have limited farmers' options for pest control. Additionally, rising production costs, particularly for fuel and energy, have further strained the sector, a situation worsened by the geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These economic pressures may lead farmers to consider cultivating less risky crops, as noted by sector representative Redondo. In response to shifting consumer habits, particularly among millennials who are opting for lower-carb diets and alternative foods, Europatat has initiated a €3.4 million promotional campaign aimed at revitalizing interest in potatoes, particularly in regions like Flanders, France, and Ireland.