In the spring of 2025, prices for new (early-season) potatoes in Bulgaria reached record highs, occasionally climbing to 9 Bulgarian leva (approx. €4.60) per kilogram, a price comparable to that of pork.
According to bourgas.ru, the surge in prices is largely due to a dramatic decline in potato cultivation across the country. Over the past two decades, the total area dedicated to growing potatoes has more than halved. Currently, domestic production meets only around 50% of national demand.
Wholesale prices for fresh potatoes follow the same trajectory. In late March to early April 2024, prices in agricultural markets averaged 2.89 leva (€1.48) per kilogram. This spring, they've jumped to 4.67 leva (€2.40), representing a 62% year-on-year increase — the highest recorded for any fruit or vegetable on the country's commodity markets.
Market checks in Sofia confirm the trend: new potatoes are being sold at 8–10 leva (€4.10–€5.10) per kilogram, albeit in small quantities.
Experts note that such high prices at the start of the season are not unusual, as early harvests typically command a premium. However, it's worth highlighting that these potatoes are not of local origin. The cultivation of early potatoes in Bulgaria has all but disappeared, as the practice has proven economically unviable in recent years.
Data from the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture shows that, just before the country's EU accession, potatoes were grown on 265,000 decares (26,500 hectares). Today, that figure has fallen to only 55,000 decares (5,500 hectares). Meanwhile, the area dedicated to cereals and industrial crops has expanded, while more labor-intensive vegetable farming has declined sharply.
Source: bourgas.ru
