Ukraine: How the War Changed Potato Cultivation, Import, and Prices

Due to the hostilities, the area planted with this crop has decreased by 21%. However, thanks to increased yields, the overall potato production has only decreased by 11%.

Price Increases and the Shortage of Early Potatoes

After the invasion of the Russian Federation, the consumer price of potatoes rose significantly: while in 2021 a kilogram cost an average of 11.2 hryvnias, by 2024 the price reached 24 hryvnias. Moreover, the period during which potatoes were available at a lower price has shrunk from ten months to just two to four months a year. The market for early Ukrainian potatoes has been particularly affected: it was primarily grown in the south, but has now almost completely disappeared from sale.

“The area planted has decreased by 21%, while production volume has only reduced by 11% due to increased yields. The consumer price of potatoes has risen from ₴11.2 per kilogram in 2021 to ₴24 per kilogram in 2024. The period of ‘low’ prices has shrunk from 10 months to two to four months. Early potatoes of domestic production, mainly grown in the south, have virtually disappeared from the market.”

Changes in Potato Imports and New Suppliers

In 2024, the volume of imported table potatoes accounted for only 2.3% of the total gross harvest, whereas in 2021, when imports were at a record high, this share reached 8.1%. Before the onset of the large-scale war, Ukraine was actively increasing its potato imports, particularly from European Union countries, which provided nearly 70% of all supplies. However, since 2022, imports have sharply decreased by 17 times, and their geography has fundamentally changed. Ukraine has ceased purchases of potatoes from Belarus and Russia. The main suppliers in 2024 have become Azerbaijan, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Georgia.