News on Potato Cultivation from Belgium

Pomuni and Deprez mark a partnership spanning generations. From long-standing cooperation to modern automation, their collaboration supports more efficient logistics, increased productivity and continued innovation at Pomuni’s Ranst facility.

Industry forecasts indicate extreme heat and drought could cut potato production by more than 3.5 million tonnes across Great Britain and NEPG countries in 2026, with losses valued at up to EUR 818 million (USD 937.4 million).

Belgium’s potato crop is shrinking under extreme heat and drought, threatening supplies for its famous fries. Smaller potatoes could tighten availability, raise costs and push up prices across the country’s € frozen fries industry.

In Europe, the industrial potato harvest could fall below 40 million tonnes in 2026 due to reduced plantings, heat and drought, while tighter supply and rising exports are already pushing processing potato prices higher.

NEPG reports an 11% decline in European ware potato plantings for 2026 as growers cut acreage to rebalance oversupplied markets. The group warns low contract prices and rising production costs threaten farm viability.

Europe’s potato sector faces pressure as temperatures exceed 40°C in key growing regions. With crops in critical growth stages, prolonged heat and drought could cut yields, affect quality, and increase irrigation needs, raising supply concerns.

Europatat welcomes the EU’s adoption of the NGT Regulation, opening new opportunities for innovative potato varieties with improved disease resistance, climate adaptability, and processing traits, while boosting breeding research and investment.

The European Commission launched a Fertiliser Action Plan to support farmers, strengthen EU fertiliser production, reduce import dependency, boost food security, and accelerate sustainable, bio-based solutions.

Belpotato.be has issued a press release outlining key points of attention for potato growers when concluding delivery contracts, as the sector continues to face pressure from challenging market conditions.

Growers who can no longer sell their surplus potatoes anywhere now have the option to dump their potatoes on their fields via a raw material declaration. They can register via the website of Boerenbond, which obtained the declaration for all Flemish growers.

La NEPG insta a reducir la superficie de cultivo de patata en el noroeste de Europa y a actuar con mayor coordinación entre productores e industria para evitar sobreoferta y garantizar la rentabilidad del sector.

The European Potato Processors’ Association (EUPPA) published its latest Facts and Figures for 2025, underlining the scale, economic impact and global trade reach of Europe’s potato processing industry.

The European Snacks Association releases its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting members’ efforts in resource efficiency, sustainable sourcing, energy savings, and eco-friendly packaging, supporting the EU Green Deal and circular economy initiatives.

AVR launches the finalized version of its legendary self-propelled harvester: the AVR Puma. With a sensational new design at all levels — the ultimate version of a legend, the final roar.

Brussels marked the 2nd International Day of Potato with a conference and exhibition, highlighting the crop's role in food security, sustainability, and innovation. Stakeholders called for supportive EU policies to boost the potato value chain.

Around the world, celebrations are well underway for the 2nd International Day of the Potato, Friday, May 30th. Launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and themed 'Shaping History, Feeding the Future'

Belpotato.be is surprised to learn of the proposals from some potato buyers, whereby they unilaterally reduce the contracted quantities from the buyer without any form of consultation in already signed contracts. This is unacceptable.

AVR, manufacturer of a full range of potato harvesting machines and a world player in that market segment, is concluding its 175th anniversary year with the festive opening of its revamped head office.