Farmers in Iceland devastated by worst potato harvest in over 30 years

Iceland, known for its resilient farming systems and limited but high-quality agricultural output, faced a historic setback in 2024. According to Statistics Iceland, the nation harvested just 5,514 tons of potatoes, down 24.5% from 7,298 tons in 2023. The figure marks the lowest national potato harvest in over 30 years.

Climate Shock: A Summer of Soaking Rains and Cold Soils

The cause of this steep decline was not disease or seed failure—but extreme weather. Northern regions, particularly around Akureyri, experienced precipitation levels more than double the 1991–2020 average, as reported by Iceland Review. Meanwhile, Reykjavík saw rainfall 35% above average, compounded by unusually high snowpack.

These conditions are especially harmful to potatoes and other root crops, which:
 

• Thrive in well-drained soils with temperatures between 60–70°F (15–21°C)
• Require consistent moisture, but are highly susceptible to waterlogging and rot
• Fail to establish healthy tubers when soils are cold and saturated during critical growth stages

In Akureyri, persistent rainfall from late spring to mid-summer kept soils too wet for proper tuber development. In some areas, fields could not be planted at all. In others, plant emergence was delayed, and yields were drastically reduced. 

Not Just Potatoes: Broader Crop Failures 

The effects were not limited to potatoes. According to The Reykjavik Grapevine, carrots, turnips, and grains also suffered substantial losses. With Iceland’s short growing season and limited arable land, weather anomalies have outsized impacts on both local food security and economic stability for farmers.

These crop failures underscore how northern, marginal agricultural systems are highly vulnerable to climate volatility, including:

• Shifting precipitation patterns
• Unexpected frost events
• Changes in snowmelt timing, which can disrupt planting windows and field access

A Global Wake-Up Call for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

While Iceland’s total potato production is relatively small on a global scale, the event illustrates a wider agricultural challenge. As global temperatures rise, extreme and unpredictable weather events—including both droughts and deluges—are becoming more common. 

A 2022 study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment confirmed that climate extremes have already reduced crop yields globally by 9–10% in key regions, particularly for root crops and cereals in temperate and polar zones.

For farmers, agronomists, and agricultural engineers, this signals the need to:

• Invest in resilient crop varieties with better tolerance to wet soils and variable temperatures
• Improve field drainage and raised bed systems for water-sensitive crops
• Expand weather forecasting tools and adaptive management practices

Iceland’s record-low potato harvest in 2024 is more than a localized event—it’s a warning sign for global agriculture. With climate patterns becoming more erratic, even historically stable regions face growing risk. The industry must respond with adaptive strategies, research-driven innovation, and stronger support systems to ensure farmers can continue to feed populations in an uncertain climate future.