Poland tackles potato surplus while shifting acreage to soy and strawberries

In 2025 Poland recorded a record potato harvest of about 7 million tonnes, 18.4% above the previous year, creating a 1 million‑tonne surplus as domestic consumption stayed near 6 million tonnes. Falling prices prompted the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss subsidy schemes, preferential 2 % interest loans and retailer promotions to reduce stocks.

April 2026 imports rose to 15.9  thousand tonnes, mainly from Germany (6.35 kt), Greece (3.04 kt) and Egypt (1.79 kt), valued at over 31 million zł, reflecting seasonal demand for early‑market potatoes.

ARiMR data for 2026 show a restructuring of sowing areas: soybean acreage grew to 104.4 ha, sunflower to 85.7 ha and corn to nearly 2 million ha, while sugar beet area fell by 21.7 ha. Barley, wheat and rye also expanded.

Poland remained the EU’s second‑largest strawberry producer in 2025, harvesting 151 000 tonnes (a 5% drop) and exporting 74 000 tonnes mainly to Germany, France and the Netherlands, generating about US$190 million. Frost and rain affected yields, but the sector stayed significant for the agricultural economy.