Larger Polish acreage does not yet produce a top harvest

After three years of shrinkage in the potato area, arable farmers planted more potatoes this spring. Official statistical figures speak of 200.000 hectares, compared to 182.650 hectares last year. An increase of 17.350 hectares, or 9,5%. Lower prices for wheat, corn and rapeseed have caused Polish farmers to turn to potatoes more often. This figure is hardly shocking as it has already been taken into account by insiders.

Early start
In contrast to Western Europe, planting in the country was possible early and quickly. The season started two to three weeks earlier, so the first early potatoes appeared at the end of May. Precipitation fell just in time in most places. High disease pressure was and is also a fact here. Colorado potato beetles have also caused problems.

In recent weeks, rain fell again just in time to keep the crops going. Mainly in the east and northeast, where most starch potatoes are grown, it is even drier than average. More moisture is available for the potatoes in the south, west and north.

Average Yield
It is still difficult to estimate what the proceeds will be. On professional farms with good irrigation, between 40 and 50 tons are generally harvested, but this is not the case everywhere. Seed potato quality also plays an important role in this. The national average is 32 tons per hectare, and the Polish potato organization also takes this into account.

In theory, this results in a total harvest of 6,4 million tons of potatoes. That is more than was harvested in 2023 and 2022, but still below average. The five-year average is 6,78 million tons and the ten-year average is 7,22 million tons.

Healthy market expected
The Polish potato organization SPZ is counting on the fact that this volume cannot meet the demand of the industry, which should result in a healthy market for growers. This will hopefully also result in a good starting situation for next season.