Germany (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania): Things are looking good for the tuber

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the fourth-largest potato-growing region in Germany. The area under cultivation is growing, both for table potatoes and for industrial potatoes, which are used for starch or as seed potatoes. Their cultivation plays a particularly important role. Seed potatoes from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are exported to 30 countries worldwide. The reason for this success is the favorable growing conditions.

MV is an ideal growing region for tubers

It’s the coastal proximity that makes the difference. It provides wind, which is good for potatoes. It removes moisture from the chlorophyll, thus preventing fungal diseases. At the same time, it keeps aphids in check, as they have difficulty establishing themselves in strong winds. Since aphids transmit viruses, their spread is also minimized. These favorable climatic and growing conditions—also known as "healthy location" in technical terms—and the good soils make Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania an ideal growing region.

Rainy summer good for potatoes

This year, the abundant rain also ensured good potato growth. The first tubers pulled from the ground in Neubukow (Rostock district) are magnificent – large, firm, and smooth. Matthias Bardehle, who is responsible for arable farming, is pleased, but he also says that a potato glut is looming on the market. However, this isn’t so tragic for his business. The Neubukow residents have already sold most of their harvest to a potato processing plant in Hagenow (Ludwigslust-Parchim district).

Regional processing from tuber to dumpling

In Hagenow, the harvest is processed into mashed potatoes, dumplings, and even starch flour. Such regional processing of agricultural products has become rare in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Wheat is mostly exported, and sugar beets are no longer processed here. With potatoes, however, the added value remains in the state.

Potato cultivation in MV has declined sharply

Since reunification, potato cultivation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has been significantly reduced – from around 100,000 hectares at the time to about 14,000 hectares today. The nationwide trend is similar, but not quite as pronounced: In the reunified Federal Republic, the area under cultivation has been reduced to half of the initial approximately 550,000 hectares.