Overview
- Germany harvested about 13.4 million tonnes of potatoes in 2025, with reporting pointing to a surplus of roughly 2.4–3 million tonnes.
- Farmgate prices have slumped, with the agriculture ministry saying farmers receive about one-third less than last year and open-market offers at roughly €10–€15 per 100 kilos.
- With processing and storage at capacity, some growers are diverting edible potatoes to biogas plants for as little as €1.50 per 100 kilos, including one case of 400 tonnes in Lower Saxony.
- Retailers continue to stock imported potatoes from countries such as Egypt, Israel and Cyprus despite the domestic oversupply, a practice industry figures link to planning preferences and price strategy.
- Processors and packers cite long-term procurement contracts and limited capacity as constraints, public/EU payments exceeding €48 million draw scrutiny, and several farmers say they will cut plantings next year.