The 2024 bio-potato harvest season has proven to be particularly challenging for farmers in Germany, with adverse weather conditions and plant health issues impacting yields across the country. According to the Bio Kartoffel Erzeuger e.V. (BKE), the primary organization representing organic potato growers, this year’s harvest has fallen far short of expectations, with heavy rainfall and an early onset of blight (Krautäule) playing key roles in the reduced harvest.
Impact of Heavy Rainfall and Early Disease Outbreaks
The excessive rainfall in spring and early summer delayed planting, which was further compounded by an unexpected early outbreak of Krautäule (late blight), a fungal disease that attacks potato crops. These conditions led to significant crop stress, and despite the best efforts of organic farmers to maintain plant health, the potato yields have been below average across several major growing regions.
BKE Managing Director Josephine Hardt highlights that the difficulties were particularly pronounced in key potato-growing regions like Niedersachsen and Bavaria, where farmers have reported yield reductions of up to 20% compared to previous years. These issues were especially severe in the Southwest and West regions, where early blight outbreaks caused further setbacks, forcing farmers to push forward harvest schedules to ensure reliable supply to the market.
Lower Yields and Reduced Market Supply
This year’s yield reduction has resulted in an expected shortage of bio-potatoes in the market for the rest of the year. While farmers have slightly expanded their planting areas, the quality and quantity of the harvest have been significantly compromised. As a result, the availability of potatoes for processing and fresh markets will likely be limited compared to last year. The early harvest of some crops to ensure market supply has left gaps in stock for later in the season.
Despite these challenges, farmers are committed to maintaining the quality of the produce. The careful storage of bio-potatoes in long-term storage facilities is underway, with farmers prioritizing quality control during the drying and healing process to preserve potatoes for the coming months. According to Hardt, this attention to detail in storage practices will ensure that potatoes are available for sale throughout the winter and into the spring, although this effort requires significant investment in infrastructure.
The Importance of Proper Storage and Investment
One of the critical factors for maintaining bio-potato availability throughout the season is the careful management of storage conditions. The long-term storage of potatoes involves not only building modern cooling facilities but also investing in ongoing operational costs. BKE emphasizes the importance of compensating farmers for these storage investments, as proper care ensures that potatoes retain their quality and remain available for consumers.
Farmers involved in the storage process are often faced with the challenge of balancing the cost of maintaining high-quality storage with market prices, and Hardt advocates for financial recognition of these efforts. Without adequate compensation for the cost of storage and infrastructure, it may be difficult for organic potato producers to continue maintaining these systems long-term.
A Year of Resilience and Adaptation
While the 2024 bio-potato harvest has been challenging, farmers’ resilience and commitment to quality have allowed them to navigate the difficult growing conditions. The combined efforts of farmers to adapt to weather fluctuations, manage diseases, and invest in quality storage will help ensure a supply of organic potatoes through the remainder of the season. However, as the industry looks ahead, it is clear that greater support for infrastructure investment and sustainable farming practices will be essential for ensuring that future harvests are more resilient to unpredictable weather patterns.
