n 2024, Romania experienced its lowest potato yield in eight years, according to the National Institute of Statistics. This significant drop occurred despite Romania being a major player in the EU’s potato farming sector, with nearly a third of all EU potato farms located within its borders. However, Romanian yields (14.8 tonnes per hectare) lagged significantly behind the EU average (35 tonnes).
Several factors contributed to this decline. Soaring seed costs and a shortage of affordable labor have severely impacted farmers. Moreover, the 2024 growing season was severely disrupted by drought and extreme heat, further decimating yields. This production shortfall comes at a time of increasing domestic demand, forcing Romania to rely heavily on potato imports. As a result, potato prices have risen, with a kilogram typically costing 5 lei (€1) in markets.
Romania’s struggles mirror a broader trend across the EU, where potato yields have declined in several key producing nations, including France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Poland, a major supplier to the Romanian market, has also witnessed a sharp drop in production. Between 2000 and 2023, potato harvests across the EU plummeted by 27.9 million tonnes, representing a 36.7% decrease. This regional decline highlights the significant challenges facing potato growers throughout Europe.
