French Potato Production Set for Sharp Decline in 2026 Amid Heatwave and Reduced Acreage
French potato producers are bracing for a dramatic drop in yields in 2026, following an oversupply in 2025 that led to reduced planting areas. According to the National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT), the average national yield for consumption potatoes is projected to fall to approximately 37.4 t/ha, down 14% from 2025 and 13% below the five-year average. The decline is attributed to a combination of five successive heatwaves that caused significant water deficits, alongside a 10% reduction in cultivated surfaces. As a result, overall production is expected to plummet by 23% year-on-year, equating to nearly 2 million fewer tonnes than in 2025.
The economic fallout is estimated at €400 million in losses for growers, prompting the UNPT to request state aid for the most affected farmers. The union warns that the entire value chain must share the burden of this unprecedented shortfall, rather than placing the financial strain solely on producers. It also opposes forcing farmers to purchase missing volumes on the open market at their own expense. Additionally, the UNPT advocates for flexible quality standards and acceptance criteria to accommodate the uneven harvest in terms of size and dry matter content, ensuring that available produce is utilized as effectively as possible.
