Europe: "We need a reduction in potato acreage of around 10-15%"

Another factor is the 13% increase in cultivated land in Bavaria from 2024 to 2025 (source: Destatis/AMI). All things considered, net yield is likely to be one-fifth higher than the previous year,” reports Johann Schmidt, managing director of Agrar ProTec Schmidt KG, based in Dinkelshausen.

This wholesaler specializes in the acquisition and distribution of industrial, table, and peeling products from the region, and has been exporting to other European countries for years. "Our clients include buyers from Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Croatia. In the latter two markets, in particular, product requirements and quality standards are sometimes a bit stricter. Italy is also less dependent on imported products this year due to a good domestic harvest. Compared to our colleagues in northern Germany, we have the advantage of geographical proximity to our respective sales markets when exporting, which means that transport costs are somewhat lower. Consequently, we usually buy first in Bavaria before approaching suppliers in other parts of Germany."

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Johann Schmidt (center) with his wife, two sons, and daughter-in-law. Since last year, the company has operated under the name Agrar ProTec Schmidt KG.

Prices a quarter lower than last year. However, the export market is particularly competitive at the moment, Schmidt continues. "At the beginning of the season, we tried unsuccessfully to negotiate slight price increases. As a result, prices have been up to 60% below last year’s level for weeks. Initially, prices were still quite reasonable, but then they fell sharply in June and July, in line with forecasts of a bountiful harvest." According to Schmidt, a market recovery is not expected at the moment: "In my opinion, the market will remain tight, which means that this year the main objective will be liquidating volumes."

A reduction in surface area is necessary

Thanks to attractive production prices and corresponding reserves, the total cultivated area in Bavaria has been gradually expanding in recent years. This factor has also contributed significantly to this year’s surplus. "We need a reduction in acreage of around 10-15% across all German and European potato crops," says Schmidt, referring to the challenging market dynamics in the frying and table potato sectors. "We also mustn’t forget that the fixed costs that each farm has to bear are significantly higher than they were 15-20 years ago. This means that growers also need timely support."