Europa: Record increase in potato cultivation area in North-Western Europe

The area under cultivation increased by around 50,000 hectares, reports the Boerderij website, citing data from the Federation of Northwest European Potato Growers (NEPG).

Germany: strong growth in the consumer segment

In Germany, the potato cultivation area in 2025 was projected to reach 301,000 hectares. This is 19,000 hectares (6.7%) more than in the previous year. At the same time, the area under starch potatoes is decreasing, meaning that the growth is primarily concentrated in the edible and industrial potato segments.

France: up to 13% more

According to various sources, the area planted with potatoes in France increased from 18,500 to 24,000 hectares, representing an increase of 10.3–13%. This is one of the largest increases among NEPG countries.

Belgium: record acreage

The Belgian association Belgapom reports that potato plantings will reach a record 111,400 hectares in 2025. Of this area, 108,000 hectares are designated for ware potatoes, an increase of 7,500 hectares compared to 2024.

Netherlands: nearly 9% growth

In the Netherlands, the area under table potatoes this season is 83,100 hectares, which is 6,600 hectares (8.6%) more than last year.

What awaits the potato market?

Although full NEPG data will not be officially presented until September at the Potato Europe trade fair , it is already clear that the scale of acreage growth was larger and faster than anyone expected at the beginning of the season. This development means a surplus of goods, which could prove challenging for producers and processors. Already, some tubers are being sent to biogas plants or as feed to livestock farms instead of consumers.

In practice, farmers must expect price pressure – increased supply will likely lower purchase prices. On the one hand, this may reduce production profitability, but on the other, it may improve the competitive position of potatoes from Northwestern Europe in export markets.