The Polish potato sector has seen alterations, with many farmers establishing new plantations due to relatively high prices observed in past seasons. The shift towards potatoes was driven by challenges in growing grains and corn, attributed to low profitability.
The expansion in cultivation areas led to challenges. Potato farming presents difficulties, including high disease pressure and agronomic concerns. The availability of quality seed potatoes remains a challenge. This year, despite increased cultivation, demand is insufficient, leading to low prices.
According to the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR), the potato cultivation area was 185,767.99 hectares in 2020. A surprising rise occurred in 2021, with the area expanding to 203,796.26 hectares. However, a decline followed in 2022, with the area reducing to 181,597.03 hectares. It slightly increased in 2023 to 182,213.79 hectares, with domestic producers expanding the area again.
The cultivation reached 192,482.13 hectares in 2024, as many producers hoped for favorable prices, attracting new growers. Another expansion is anticipated in 2025, with estimates suggesting an area of 211,140.45 hectares. These figures are based on producer declarations submitted for direct payments to ARiMR. With applications still open, slight changes in crop area may occur, but substantial adjustments are unlikely.
Source: Argenpapa
