Croatia

Potato production in Croatia is primarily concentrated in Continental Croatia, particularly across the fertile plains of Slavonia, Baranja, and central regions, where favorable soils and climate conditions support both early and main crop cultivation. Northern and northwestern counties such as Međimurje, Varaždin, and Zagreb also have a strong tradition of potato farming, especially known for early varieties. Additionally, the mountainous and coastal areas of Lika and Gorski Kotar contribute to national production with high-quality potatoes often marketed as specialty or regional products. Common early varieties include Adora, Liseta, and Riviera, while Agria, Desiree, Marabel, and Kennebec remain popular for broader use.

In 2023, Croatia cultivated 7,230 hectares of potatoes, yielding 126,280 tonnes at an average of 17.5 tonnes per hectare. However, potato production in Croatia has seen a significant decline over the past two decades, dropping from over 231,000 tonnes in 2002 to 126,280 tonnes in 2023 due to structural shifts in farming, market pressures, and increasing climatic challenges.
 

Potatoes were introduced to Croatia in the 18th and 19th centuries as part of the broader Columbian Exchange, spreading across Central Europe through territories of the Habsburg Monarchy, to which Croatia then belonged. Initially met with skepticism due to their association with the nightshade family, potatoes were eventually embraced by Croatian farmers for their resilience and nutritional value. Over time, cultivation became widespread, particularly in regions like Međimurje and Belica, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Croatia,” which emerged as a major production hub.

Notably, the Dreaulek family's Dodlek Agro, which began as a small socialist-era initiative around 1961, has grown into a leading producer, cultivating over 500 hectares and exporting more than 18,000 tonnes annually across Europe. In Slavonia, cooperative farms such as Fermopromet in Osijek also include potatoes in their crop rotations alongside cereals and oilseeds, further integrating the crop into the country’s agricultural landscape.