News on The Potato Supply Chain 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).

INTERPOM 2026 will bring 330 exhibitors from 15 countries to Kortrijk, Belgium, from November 29 to December 1. The sold-out trade fair will focus on resilience, innovation and sustainability across the potato supply chain.

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.

Europatat has welcomed JAAP Agro as a new member. Operating in the Netherlands, France and Scotland, the company specializes in seed potato production and trade, supplying varieties for table potatoes, crisps and French fries.

EUPPA members met in Brussels on June 9–10, 2026, to discuss food safety, agriculture, sustainability and policy developments affecting the potato processing sector. The programme also included a visit to the European Parliament.

Europatat elected Peter Ton, COO of Royal HZPC Group, as President for 2026–2030 during its Brussels Congress. Members also reviewed strategy priorities, including trade, sustainability, water, nutrition, and potato research across Europe.

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.

Processing potato prices in Belgium have dropped to EUR 0 in , while maincrop potatoes fell to EUR 10 per tonne (USD 11) in March, driven by weak demand and ongoing oversupply in the industrial potato market.

Breeders Trust warns of rising online sales of uncertified seed potatoes via Facebook groups, where ware potatoes are sold for planting, raising concerns over regulation and plant breeders' rights.

The European potato market is facing a significant surplus that is putting pressure on prices, weakening demand, and forcing strategic adjustments amid growing stocks and the arrival of the new harvest.

Belgian potato groups launched a campaign to tackle large surpluses after high production and weak demand. On April 18, consumers can buy 5 kg for EUR 2 directly from growers, with half of proceeds donated to Food Banks.