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The humble potato, a staple food across the globe, holds significant importance within the European Union. This overview examines the EU potato sector in 2023, focusing on production trends, price fluctuations, and trade dynamics.
This article, based on data from Eurostat, describes the state of the EU potato sector in 2023, exploring production trends, price movements, and trade patterns.
Harvested Area and Main Producers: The overall harvested area dedicated to potatoes in the EU has declined over the past two decades, standing at just 1.3 million hectares in 2023, a more than 50% decrease compared to 2000. This decline was particularly pronounced in Poland, where the harvested area dropped by a staggering 84.9% during the same period. Despite this contraction, Germany, France, and the Netherlands remain dominant producers, accounting for over half of all potatoes grown in the EU.
Trade: The EU potato market continues to thrive, characterised by robust intra-EU trade and substantial exports to third countries. Within the EU, member states exchanged approximately 9.0 million tons of potatoes in 2023, valued at €3.0 billion, with main crop potatoes accounting for the largest share. France, the Netherlands, and Germany emerged as the leading exporters within the EU, with the Netherlands holding a dominant position in the seed potato trade. Beyond the EU, the bloc exported 1.1 million tons of potatoes valued at €663.6 million, primarily seed potatoes and main crop potatoes, with the Netherlands playing a pivotal role, accounting for over half of both the value and volume of these shipments.
The Future: The EU potato sector faces challenges and opportunities. The declining production area must be addressed, and the sector must adapt to changing market demands. Innovation in production techniques, processing, and marketing can drive increased competitiveness and sustainability. Collaboration among EU member states and industry stakeholders remains vital to navigate these challenges and ensure the continued growth of the potato sector within the EU.
Note: This article is based on information extracted from Eurostat in July 2024. You can find the original data and further details on the Eurostat website.