Spain: The potato campaign in Castile and León is accompanied by a collapse in prices.

The potato campaign in Castilla y León, which began more than a month ago, is going through a critical period due to the collapse in prices at origin, according to ASAJA.

In the 2025 campaign, around 1,900 hectares were planted in the province and approximately 19,000 hectares in Castile and León, continuing the upward trend seen in 2023 (16,928 hectares) and 2024 (17,290 hectares). Production in Castile and León accounts for nearly 40% of the national crop, with approximately 800,000 tons. The average production cost is around €10,000/ha, which requires optimal yields and decent prices to cover costs.

ASAJA criticizes the fact that, while prices in the fields are plummeting, prices on supermarket shelves are holding steady, which, in its opinion, demonstrates excessive margins held by intermediaries and retailers. It reminds the government that the Food Chain Law is in force and must be enforced to curb loss-making sales.

The organization also points out the massive influx of French potatoes, imported by companies that have received public funds from the Regional Government of Castile and León, and which, according to ASAJA, are not contributing to the sustainability of the local sector. It demands that prices be maintained similar to those of the previous season, when prices ranged between 40 and 55 cents per kilo, still far from the final price paid by consumers.

The OPA calls for the implementation of a Strategic Plan for potatoes in Castile and León, involving producers, industry, and the administration with the goal of ensuring a stable and profitable future for this crop.

ASAJA also appeals to the role of consumers and urges them to check the true origin of the product, beyond the packaging, and to choose potatoes from Castilla y León. It even proposes the implementation of "double labeling" that transparently reflects the price received by the farmer and the price paid by the consumer, to highlight that the margins remain in the hands of the intermediaries.