More potatoes were harvested in Poland this year. Arable farmers in the country are feeling optimistic again, especially now that the prices of other crops have dropped significantly. This resulted in a significantly increased area. However, there is dispute between the various authorities about the accuracy of the figures.
For the first time in four years, the area of potatoes in Poland increased again in 2024. The Polish potato organization SPZ and the agricultural statistics office IERIGZ PIB are calculating a figure of 205.000 hectares. That is slightly more than previously thought and 8,7 percent more than was grown last year. However, the official statistics office assumes 194.500 hectares of potatoes. At 3%, the increase is much smaller. In reality, the area is probably above 200.000.
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The first two organizations arrive at a total yield of 6,35 million tons. That is 755.000 tons, or 13,5% more than was harvested in 2023. It is still almost 9% less than the five-year average, but the largest volume in three years.
The Central Bureau of Statistics disagrees. They come up with a volume of 5,85 million tonnes, which is quite on the low side. What is clear is that the average yield is somewhere between 30 and 31 tonnes per hectare. That includes backyard cultivation, which still accounts for about a quarter of the country's potato production. That affects the yield figures.
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Consumption is falling
Poland, a true potato country, has seen its per capita consumption plummet over the past two decades. In addition, potatoes were and are used for everything. From vodka to pig feed. This pattern has now become strongly westernized. This also includes, for example, much stricter requirements for product quality in supermarkets, when it comes to table potatoes. Official figures show that the decline in potato consumption has fallen again this year when you look at table potatoes. This also applies to the total consumption of, for example, fries.
In Poland, too, prices for crops such as grains, rapeseed and sugar beets have fallen. This puts potatoes in a different light. At the same time, buyers need the product. Agricultural producer organisation FBZPR (Federacja Branżowych Związków Producentów Rolnych) reports that starch producers are actively recruiting growers after improving contract prices over the past two years. They mainly think they have a chance because the crop requires less labour than, for example, table potatoes. The quality requirements are also not as high.
Increased prices
The table potato market has been moving upwards in the country since mid-October. This is partly due to the arrival of winter and partly due to disappointing yields in other countries. At the end of November, market prices were converted to €19 to €28 per 100 kilos for sorted and bagged product. This level is expected to rise slightly towards Christmas. The price level is still €4 less than last year, but with a severe winter and disappointing quality in storage, market prices could also rise early next year.