Hungarian potato production has declined significantly

The previously 15,000 hectares of cultivated area now covers only 6,000 hectares, and the quantity produced does not even cover domestic demand. The country relies on imports year after year, especially in the first half of the year, when domestic stocks are depleted.

The decrease can be attributed to three main reasons:

Climate change: Potatoes require cooler, wetter environments, so frequent droughts and hot summers pose a serious challenge for growers. Irrigation has become essential, but its implementation requires significant investment.Tightening EU regulations: The European Union is gradually withdrawing active ingredients from the market, without which it is becoming increasingly difficult to protect potatoes. As a result, growers are often unable to protect their crops from pests and diseases.Changing consumer habits: In recent years, domestic potato consumption has stagnated, currently at around 60 kilograms/capita, which is below the EU27 average and the consumption level of the V4 countries.

Market environment and imports The Hungarian potato crop is usually sufficient to meet domestic demand until February, after which mainly French and German potato imports dominate. The European market is not without problems either: in 2024, a large amount of potatoes remained in the ground in Western Europe due to rains, but stocks are expected to last until the end of the season.

Possible solutions To boost domestic potato production, the following would be needed:

• Introduction of modern irrigation technologies to increase crop yields.
• More efficient storage solutions to keep inventory available for longer.
• An improved production equipment park that would help in producing quality crops.
• Better market integration with retail chains, as their role in sales has increased significantly.

Future prospects The Ministry of Agriculture will pay increased attention to strengthening potato production from 2024. This season, the area sown is expected to increase, which shows that producers are starting to recognize the potential of the sector. However, long-term success will require, in addition to state support, the cooperation of producers and compliance with quality standards.

The new impetus for Hungarian potato production could be crucial for the country’s food security and the sustainability of the local economy.

Tags: potato production and consumption , potato cultivation , potatoes