Producer prices for potatoes in Russia have fallen by more than 60% over the past year, according to the Potato Union. Alexey Krasilnikov, director of the association, reported that carrots were the only crop in the traditional “borscht set” (potatoes, carrots, beets, cabbage, onions) to see significant growth this season, with prices rising approximately 7% month-on-month. This increase occurred despite stable planting areas and an average harvest of about 1 million tons. Meanwhile, wholesale prices for other key vegetables, including onions, white cabbage, and table beets, showed a slight downward trend. Although retail prices for these vegetables have recently increased, Krasilnikov noted that compared to last year, they are actually declining — beets are down 30%, while cabbage and onions are 35% cheaper. He attributed recent retail inflation to the averaging of domestic prices with more expensive imported produce.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Agriculture forecasts that planted areas for potatoes in the organized sector will increase by 5,000 hectares this year (reaching 286,000 hectares in 2025), with a gross harvest of about 8 million tons based on average yields. However, Tatiana Gubina, head of the Potato Union’s apparatus, warned that the industry’s key problem remains extreme price volatility, which changes dramatically from year to year. “If last season producers had the opportunity to earn money, this season they are only losing money,” she said. Such instability, she added, demotivates potato growers and creates significant challenges for long-term investment in the sector.
