In 2024, Romania witnessed its lowest potato production in eight years, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics. This is notable given Romania's position as a major player in the European Union's potato farming sector, hosting nearly a third of the EU's potato farms. Despite this, the country's yield was significantly lower than the EU average, with an estimated 14.8 tonnes per hectare compared to the EU's 35 tonnes.
The challenges facing Romania's potato sector are multifaceted. Seed costs have seen a substantial increase, and the availability of affordable labor has become a pressing issue. Additionally, the agricultural landscape was severely impacted by drought and heat in 2024, further contributing to the decline in production. This downturn comes at a time when demand for potatoes in Romania is on the rise, leading to an increased reliance on imported potatoes to meet consumer needs. Consequently, the price of potatoes has been affected, with a kilogram typically costing 5 lei (€1) in markets.
The situation is compounded by broader trends within the EU, where a decline in potato yields has been observed across several key producing countries, including France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Notably, Poland, a significant supplier to the Romanian market, has also experienced a marked decrease in potato production. Between 2000 and 2023, the EU saw a 27.9 million tonne reduction in harvested potatoes, equating to a 36.7% drop. This regional trend underscores the challenges facing potato growers not only in Romania but across the European Union.
Source: Euro News