Netherlands and Austria shift potato farming after 2025 record harvest

In the Netherlands, total potato‑cropping area fell by 8.4 % in 2026 to about 150,000 ha, the lowest level in fourteen years. The decline follows the 2025 record harvest of 4.4 million tonnes, which pushed prices down and prompted growers to replace potatoes, onions and sugar beet with cereals – barley area rose 28.1 % to roughly 45,000 ha and wheat grew 2 % to 114,000 ha.

In Austria, the 2025 potato harvest reached a new high of over 800,000 tonnes, supporting domestic consumption of 54 kg per person. The abundant crop allowed the first early potatoes of the season to reach retail shelves, noted for their thin skins and fine flavor. Industry representatives highlighted the growing importance of organic production and quality certifications in meeting consumer demand.