Sergey Chechulin, head of the peasant farm “Kalina” in Kaliningrad’s Chernyakhovsky district, has raised concerns over a sharp decline in potato yields. The farm previously relied on high-quality seed potatoes imported from Western Europe. However, due to EU trade restrictions, “Kalina” has been forced to use leftover planting material for the past three years, significantly reducing productivity.
Trade Restrictions Cut Off Vital Supplies
The EU’s sanctions and export controls have disrupted the supply of certified seed potatoes to Russia’s exclave. Before the restrictions, Kaliningrad farmers imported high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties from the Netherlands and Germany, ensuring stable harvests. Now, with limited access to quality seeds, yields have plummeted.
Drought Worsens the Crisis
Compounding the problem, insufficient rainfall in 2024 and early 2025 led to a 30% reduction in potato production. Chechulin noted that previous harvests lasted until June, but this year, stocks were depleted by mid-April—a troubling sign for food security in the region.
Broader Implications for Agriculture
Kaliningrad is not alone in facing these challenges. Across Europe, climate change is altering precipitation patterns, while geopolitical tensions disrupt agricultural trade. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global potato production could decline by 5-10% in the next decade if climate adaptation and seed sovereignty are not prioritized.
The combination of EU trade barriers and worsening drought has placed Kaliningrad’s potato farmers in a precarious position. Without access to quality seeds and sustainable water management strategies, the region’s agricultural output will continue to suffer. Policymakers must explore alternative seed sources and invest in drought-resistant farming techniques to safeguard future harvests.
