Preliminary data from the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture indicates the potential for a significantly robust potato harvest in 2025, the most promising in over two decades. Initial estimates suggest a yield of 13.4 million tonnes, representing a 5.3% increase compared to the already-favorable 2024 harvest and a substantial 17% above the multi-year average. The last comparable yield occurred in the year 2000.
Contributing to this anticipated record is an expansion in cultivated area, which has risen by 6.7% compared to the previous year, now reaching 301,000 hectares – the largest expanse since the turn of the millennium. Improved productivity per hectare is also expected to play a key role. The nationwide average yield is currently forecast at approximately 44 tonnes per hectare, slightly below the excellent performance of 2024 (-1%) but still exceeding the multi-year average by nearly 5%.
Favorable growing conditions have characterized the 2025 potato season to date. Following a sufficiently wet winter, a warm and dry spring allowed for planting under optimal conditions and at the usual timeframe. While some regions experienced periods of moisture deficiency, early potato varieties could be harvested earlier than usual and irrigation was utilized where possible. Rainfall commencing in July provided relief concerning the moisture levels for the crops, although it also increased disease pressure.
The anticipated abundant harvest is already impacting potato prices. Producer prices for early potatoes commenced 2025 at a notably lower level compared to previous years. Farmers are currently receiving approximately one-third less for standard potatoes from the main harvest when compared to last year’s prices. Consumers have observed a decrease of roughly 15% in the price of standard potatoes at grocery stores when comparing August 2025 to August 2024.