North Rhine-Westphalia expects lowest potato harvest since 2018

North Rhine-Westphalia is expected to see its lowest potato harvest since 2018. According to preliminary estimates from the state statistical office, IT.NRW, the 2026 harvest is projected to reach approximately 1.8 million tons.

This figure represents a 27.8% decrease compared to the 2025 harvest of 2.5 million tons and is 14.2% below the average for the period between 2020 and 2025. The decline is attributed to a reduction in cultivation area by 12.9% and a drop in yield per hectare to 43.1 tons, down from over 50 tons in previous years. Prolonged heat and drought during the summer months were cited as the primary causes for the lower yields.

Additionally, the winter wheat harvest is expected to decrease by 9.5% compared to the previous year, totaling approximately 2 million tons. However, this figure remains 4.7% above the average for the 2020–2025 period.