In a significant political breakthrough, the European Parliament has voted to reform the Common Market Organisation (CMO), adopting amendments that directly address a long-standing constraint on European potato growers. For nearly a decade, EU regulations have mandated that a farmer can belong to only one Producer Organisation (PO) per product. This rigid structure forced potato producers to align with a single market outlet—be it table potatoes, French fries, chips, starch, or seed—despite the fact that these segments involve vastly different agronomic practices, contracts, and market dynamics. The reform, championed by French rapporteur Céline Imart and strongly supported by the French National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT), introduces the legally secure possibility of multi-membership in several non-competing POs for the same crop.
This policy shift acknowledges the unique diversification needs of the potato sector. A grower managing hundreds of hectares often cultivates multiple varieties tailored for specific end-uses. The previous “one grower, one PO” rule fragmented their bargaining power and limited their ability to strategically plan production. This change is particularly critical given the market’s volatility. According to data from the European Commission, the EU is the world’s second-largest potato producer, with over 50 million tonnes harvested annually. However, price fluctuations can be severe. A 2022 study in the EuroChoices journal highlighted that stronger collective organisation is a key factor in improving farmer resilience and income stability. By allowing growers to consolidate their presence across different value chains—for instance, joining one PO for the fresh market and another for the processing industry—this reform provides a powerful tool to mitigate risk and strengthen their negotiating position against large downstream buyers.
The Parliament’s vote is a decisive step toward modernizing the CAP to better fit the complex reality of specialized agricultural sectors. For Europe’s potato farmers, this reform promises greater flexibility, enhanced bargaining power, and a more resilient business model. The proposal now moves to trilogue negotiations, where the sector will be watching closely to ensure the final regulation retains the core principle of multi-membership. Its successful implementation could serve as a blueprint for other specialized crop sectors seeking a fairer position within the agricultural value chain.
