Potato cultivation took off, with output rising from 1.5 million tonnes in 1803 to 11.8 million in 1865. Production reached its zenith in 1965, with a harvest of around 16 million tonnes. In the decade after, production declined rapidly to a level of 6 million tonnes. Since then, production is more or less stable at that level. For 2017 the total potato production is estimated at 6.1 million tonnes. About one million tonnes of France's potatoes are destined for the domestic fresh market, and one million tonnes for the processing industry.
Where in France are potatoes grown? Cultivation areas presented are based on the potato production in 2016 (Source: GNIS)
The area used for the production of seed potatoes has steadily grown in the last ten years from 14 500 ha to 19 000 ha in 2014/2015.
The most grown potato varieties in France (based on seed area in 2014) are:
- Spunta
- Bintje
- Agata
- Charlotte (firm flesh)
- Markies
- Kaptah Vandel (Starch Industry)
- Mona Lisa
- Lady Claire
- Amyla (Starch Industry)
- Amandine (firm flesh)