Potatoes: Declining production will lead to higher prices

In the UK, summer drought and soaring production costs caused a decline in potato acreage and a reduced harvest. The year 2023 should see a further reduction in surface areas

 

According to World Potatoes Markets, after the "historically low" harvest in 2022, caused by the summer drought and the reduction in planted areas, the year 2023 should see a further reduction of 10% in cultivated areas. This will lead to a further decline in production and higher prices for consumers.

 

For this year, some farmers have already decided to reduce their areas dedicated to potatoes and other farmers have decided to abandon potato cultivation. Industry analysts believe the main reason is the mismatch between the low price paid to farmers and the rising production costs.

 

Recently, a study carried out by NFU (National Farmers Union) revealed the increases suffered by producers, with the costs of energy (+165%), fertilizers (+40%), labor ( +13%). Some farms have seen their electricity bill increase by +500% and the cost is proving too high for storing potatoes in a cold store.