German potato cultivation sees its largest growth in two decades, driven by increased consumer demand and regional expansion.
In 2024, Germany’s potato industry has experienced a notable surge in cultivation area, with the total potato acreage expanding by an impressive 9.3%, according to the latest preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This represents the largest increase in over 20 years, highlighting a significant shift in the German agricultural landscape.
Initially, industry experts anticipated a more modest growth of around 4% based on early planting trends. However, the latest data reflects a much stronger expansion, especially in the sector of consumer potatoes. In total, the cultivated area now stands at 289,200 hectares.
Regional Growth and Market Impact
The state of Lower Saxony leads the way in this growth, adding 19,300 hectares of potato fields—a 16% increase—making it the largest regional contributor to the national expansion. To put this into perspective, this increase is equivalent to the total potato acreage of both Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony combined. Meanwhile, North Rhine-Westphalia also recorded a significant rise, with an additional 4,200 hectares devoted to potato farming compared to last year.
While these regions saw substantial growth, other areas, such as Bavaria, have shown signs of restraint in potato cultivation. The latest crop reports from the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture indicate a more conservative approach to expanding potato acreage in that region.
This increase in cultivation area has already begun to influence the market. With more supply entering the system, there is a notable impact on both volume and pricing pressures. Market analysts are closely watching these developments as they play out over the coming months.
Different Trends in Potato Varieties
While the overall acreage has grown, different sectors within the potato industry have experienced varied levels of expansion. The planting of seed potatoes saw moderate growth, with an increase of 1,300 hectares. However, the cultivation of starch potatoes faced a decline, indicating a shift in focus towards consumer markets.
The latest figures not only reflect the adaptability of German farmers but also underscore the growing demand for potatoes as a staple food product across the country. As the market adjusts to this significant acreage increase, stakeholders throughout the supply chain, from producers to marketers, will need to navigate these changes to maximize opportunities and address potential challenges.
