Alemania: ’Impending potato crop failures due to the lack of use of pesticides’

New insect pests and diseases, favoured by climate change, pose major challenges for German agriculture since the use of effective pesticides is prohibited. According to the German Farmers’ Association, the cicada Petanstiridius leporinus has so far been found mainly in southern Germany, such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate, but it is now also found in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. The insect is known to transmit plant diseases and is therefore spreading further and further.

North Rhine-Westphalia:

After the extreme year 2024, the market for table potatoes is now expected to remain stable for the time being, while the market for industrial potatoes will remain more volatile, according to the latest REKA Rhineland listing.

Schleswig-Holstein:

Potato prices held up well at the end of the year. The expected high sales volumes were recorded during the Christmas week. 

Consumers have stocked up on potatoes in food retail stores and at weekly markets. The quality is mostly satisfactory. Defective goods, for example, due to feeding damage, are being sorted out. Wholesalers in Lower Saxony report steady national demand and increased export volumes. 

Wholesale prices were raised slightly in the lower range because fewer weaker batches are on the market. Looking back over the years, it can be said that the significantly increased potato harvest in Germany did not result in the feared significant price reductions. Consumption in Germany has increased. Inexpensive food is in greater demand again. In food retailing, small packages are selling well. In addition, there is increased sales via direct sales.

Lower Saxony:

The harvest of 2024 ended in December with the clearing of the last potatoes. Farmer Henning from Lower Saxony now has to be careful not to get stuck in the mud with his harvester. But in the end, he is satisfied with the result – thanks to the good, sandy soils of his fields. The potatoes are growing in quality and number above the normal level, he explains to a TV station. Even if it rains and is muddy, it’s worth the effort.