Switzerland’s potato sector continues to struggle with declining cultivation areas and unpredictable weather, forcing the country to rely on imports to meet demand. According to Swisspatat, as of March this year, Swiss warehouses held 20,908 tons of table potatoes and 27,400 tons of processing potatoes—figures that appear stable only because early imports helped preserve domestic stocks.
Declining Harvests & Rising Imports
Last year’s potato harvest reached 370,665 tons from 10,682 hectares, with an average yield of 347 kg per are. While this was an improvement over the disastrous 2023 season, it was still insufficient to cover domestic needs. As a result, Switzerland imported 41,721 tons of processing potatoes and 5,377 tons of table potatoes between October and March, according to the Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW).
The drop in production is partly due to shrinking cultivation areas—early potatoes accounted for just 618 hectares in 2023. Climate volatility, including excessive rain and temperature fluctuations, has further reduced yields.
Processing Sector Drives Demand
The food industry, particularly potato processors, has been heavily affected. To keep factories running, Switzerland had to import significant volumes early in the season. This trend highlights the growing gap between domestic supply and industrial demand.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
Switzerland’s potato market is at a crossroads. With climate challenges and shrinking farmland, farmers and agronomists must explore resilient potato varieties, precision farming, and better storage solutions to stabilize supply. Policymakers and researchers should also support local production incentives to reduce import dependency.
The data shows that without intervention, Switzerland’s potato sector may face even greater shortages in the coming years.
