Poland's potato farms shrink while Belgium's output surges

Polish potato cultivation has contracted dramatically over the past decades. At its peak in the 1960s‑70s, about 3 million hectares were planted, falling to roughly 200 000 hectares by 2020. Farmers now focus on specialised production for uses such as fries, chips, starch and seed, emphasizing quality over quantity.

In contrast, Belgium recorded its strongest potato area since the 1980s in 2025, with a 7.2 % increase in planted land and a 13 % rise in yields. Total production grew 21 % versus 2024, boosting supply and pushing market prices lower.

These divergent trends highlight a shift in European potato markets: Poland moving toward niche, quality‑focused farming, while Belgium benefits from favourable weather and strong processing demand, leading to record harvests and price pressures.