The Ukrainian potato sector is seeking updated information on production, processing, and consumption to guide industry development and strengthen cooperation with European partners. The Ukrainian Association of Potato Producers has approached the Office of the Agricultural Counsellor in Ukraine for assistance in financing an audit to assess the state and prospects of the sector.
According to Agricultural Counsellor Carolien Spaans of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine, funding discussions with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) are in the final stage. The project, developed with the Kyiv School of Economics, will examine production, processing, and sales, with input from producers and processors.
Executive Director Olga Samoilichenko noted during Potato Day in the Chernihiv region that official data on production volumes and producer numbers are outdated. She highlighted the need to distinguish between professional growers and household production. Current figures overstate production, with initial State Statistics Service data for early 2025 showing 21 million tons, later revised to less than half a million tons based on preliminary recalculations.
Ukraine has increased potato imports due to domestic shortages following a poor harvest in 2024. This year, planted area has grown by 20% as prices rose last year, and weather conditions have so far been favourable.
A lack of storage facilities remains a major challenge. Although potato storage construction was added to the 5-7-9% preferential lending programme in September 2025, producers must provide guarantees of 1.25 times the loan amount. Samoilichenko noted that many facilities have been destroyed during the war, and the current capacity is insufficient.
Irrigation is another priority. Even in areas with adequate rainfall, irrigation is needed for high yields. A recent Ukrainian delegation to the Netherlands observed yields of 50 t/ha for seed potatoes and 100 t/ha for marketable potatoes, achieved through irrigation systems.
Knowledge transfer is also a key issue. Spaans said the Embassy supports the industry through projects such as the Ukrainian Partnership Facility (UPF), which operates in Chernihiv and Kyiv regions with funding from the Dutch government. Regular online training sessions cover cultivation technology and production aspects.
The Association runs a Discussion Club for growers, in partnership with the Institute of Potato Growing of the NAAS of Ukraine and Agrico Ukraine, offering training from planting preparation to harvesting. Field Days are also organised to address crop protection and nutrition, introduce crop protection products and fertilizers, and demonstrate techniques in practice. Labour shortages are an ongoing concern, driving the need for greater automation in production.
Source: MLVVN
