In Poland, more potatoes have been harvested this year. Farmers in the country are feeling optimistic again, especially now that prices of other crops have significantly decreased. This has resulted in a significant increase in acreage. However, there is disagreement among various agencies about the accuracy of the figures.
For the first time in four years, the potato acreage increased in Poland in 2024. The Polish potato organization SPZ and the agricultural statistics bureau IERIGZ PIB estimate the acreage to be 205,000 hectares. This is slightly more than previously thought and 8.7% more than the previous year. However, the official statistical bureau estimates the potato acreage to be 194,500 hectares, a much smaller increase of 3%. In reality, the acreage is likely above 200,000.
The first two organizations mentioned above estimate a total yield of 6.35 million tons. This is 755,000 tons or 13.5% more than the harvest in 2023. It is still nearly 9% less than the five-year average but the largest volume in three years.
The central statistical bureau disagrees with this. They propose a volume of 5.85 million tons, which is considerably lower. It is clear that the average yield is somewhere between 30 and 31 tons per hectare, including backyard cultivation, which still accounts for about a quarter of the potato production in the country, affecting the yield figures.
Decline in Consumption
Poland, a true potato country, has seen a decline in potato consumption per capita over the past two decades. Potatoes have been used for various purposes, from vodka to pig feed. This pattern has now become more Westernized, with much stricter quality requirements in supermarkets, especially for table potatoes. Official figures show that the decline in potato consumption has continued this year, especially for table potatoes. This also applies to the total consumption, such as fries.
In Poland, the prices of crops like grains, rapeseed, and sugar beets have also decreased. This puts potatoes in a different light. At the same time, there is a demand for the product. The agricultural producers' organization FBZPR (Federacja Branżowych Związków Producentów Rolnych) reports that starch producers are actively recruiting growers after improving contract prices in the last two years. They believe they have a good opportunity because the crop requires less labor than table potatoes, for example, and the quality requirements are not as high.
Increased Prices
The market for table potatoes has been moving upward in the country since mid-October. This is partly due to the arrival of winter and partly due to a disappointing yield in other countries. By the end of November, market prices ranged from €19 to €28 per 100 kilograms for sorted and bagged products. It is expected that this level will increase slightly towards Christmas. The price level is still €4 less than last year, but with a harsh winter and disappointing quality in storage, market prices could also rise early next year.
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