AMA Multiple Application – Area Analysis 2023 Potatoes
The annual evaluation of the AMA Multiple Application for the production areas of domestic potatoes (organic and conventional) in 2023 shows a nationwide reduction of 4% compared to the previous year. Therefore, according to the MFA, Austria’s potato production covers a total of 18,687 hectares. Out of this, 15,313 hectares are dedicated to conventional cultivation, and 3,374 hectares are for organic farming.
Conventional production areas decreased by 5% (-735 hectares) this year. On the other hand, organic potato fields decreased by a total of 2% (-68 hectares) compared to the previous year. This negative trend has continued for the third consecutive year.
Table: Production Areas in Austria (including organic) according to Multiple Application (in hectares)
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 (in ha) | 2023 vs. 2022 (%) | 2023 vs. 5-year average (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early | 953 | 998 | 1,043 | 968 | 1,048 | 832 | -216 | -21 | -17 |
| Table | 10,317 | 9,981 | 10,836 | 10,108 | 9,725 | 9,196 | -529 | -5 | -10 |
| Processing | 3,764 | 3,793 | 3,885 | 3,526 | 3,401 | 3,244 | -157 | -5 | -12 |
| Starch | 6,821 | 7,245 | 6,502 | 5,961 | 5,316 | 5,415 | 99 | 2 | -15 |
| Total | 21,855 | 22,017 | 22,266 | 20,563 | 19,490 | 18,687 | -803 | -4 | -12 |
Source: AMA
The decline in production areas affects all usage directions (organic and conventional) except for the contract areas of the starch industry, which managed to maintain the previous year’s level with a 2% increase. The most significant decline in 2023 was observed in the early potato fields (-21% compared to the previous year). In particular, the cultivation of organic early potatoes has decreased by almost one-third. The growth of recent years has been significantly slowed, especially from the perspective of the Burgenland region (-16% compared to the previous year, -50 hectares).
Table: Share of Conventional Production Areas in 2023 (%)
| Share (%) | |
|---|---|
| Early | 4 |
| Table | 46 |
| Processing | 19 |
| Starch | 31 |
| Total bio & conv. area | 100 |
Source: AMA
Since 2021, a sustainable downward trend in Austrian table potato areas (organic and conventional) has been observed. In addition to the years of the pandemic, which particularly affected the out-of-home consumption of potatoes and potato products, the high production costs, challenging production conditions, water scarcity, and decreasing availability of effective plant protection products are currently having a negative impact on the development of potato cultivation areas. Domestic potato production is gradually moving away from the hotspots in the Weinviertel region and focusing more on secure-y
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Introduction: The annual evaluation of the AMA Multiple Application for Production Areas of domestic potatoes (organic & conventional) reveals a nationwide reduction of 4% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This article examines the key findings of the report, highlighting the changes in potato production areas in Austria and discussing the factors contributing to the ongoing negative trend.
Key points to cover:
- Overall Potato Production Areas:
- In 2023, the total potato production area in Austria, according to the Multiple Application (MFA), reached 18,687 hectares, with 15,313 hectares dedicated to conventional cultivation and 3,374 hectares for organic farming.
- Conventional production areas decreased by 5% (-735 hectares) compared to the previous year, while organic potato fields saw a 2% reduction (-68 hectares).
- Breakdown of Production Areas by Potato Type:
- Frühkartoffeln (early potatoes): The production area decreased by 21% compared to the previous year, with a significant decline of nearly one-third observed in organic early potatoes.
- Speisekartoffeln (table potatoes): There was a 5% reduction (-529 hectares) in the overall production area, indicating a sustained downward trend in Austrian table potato cultivation.
- Speiseindustriekartoffeln (potatoes for processing): The production area for processing potatoes experienced a 5% decline (-157 hectares), while Stärkeindustriekartoffeln (potatoes for starch production) showed a 2% increase (+99 hectares).
- Comparison with Previous Years:
- The 2023 potato production areas, when compared to the 5-year average, reflected a 12% reduction.
- Each potato type exhibited varying trends, with some experiencing more significant declines than others.
- Regional Variations in Production Areas:
- Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) remains the primary potato production region, accounting for 80% of the total potato area in Austria (organic & conventional).
- However, Niederösterreich experienced a 4% reduction in potato production areas in 2023, continuing the downward trend observed over the past four years.
- Other eastern Austrian states, including Oberösterreich (Upper Austria), Burgenland, Steiermark (Styria), and Kärnten (Carinthia), also saw reductions in production areas, particularly for early and table potatoes.
- Factors Influencing the Decline:
- Various factors contribute to the decline in potato production areas, including the impact of the pandemic on out-of-home consumption, high production costs, challenging cultivation conditions, water scarcity, and diminishing availability of effective plant protection agents.
- Domestic potato producers are gradually shifting production from hotspot regions like the Weinviertel to more reliable and irrigable areas.
Conclusion: The 2023 AMA report highlights a continued decrease in potato production areas across Austria. While the reduction in acreage does not necessarily correlate with a decline in overall production, it raises concerns about long-term sustainability. Enhancing crop management practices, improving seed quality, and focusing on fertile soils with reliable water sources are crucial for securing the future supply of domestic potatoes.
