Growing demand from industry
French potato growers planted more tubers this spring. This is according to data presented by the French Potato Producers Association (UNPT) and the Interprofessional Potato Committee (CNIPT). According to this, the area under edible potatoes in France in 2024 will total 170,244 ha, which means an increase of 11,567 ha, or 7.3%. compared to the previous year.
According to UNPT and CNIPT, the dynamics of increasing the area under cultivation can be partly explained by demand from the French and European potato processing industry, which continues to grow strongly. According to industry organizations, long-time growers, but especially new market entrants in historic production regions, have also intensified or started potato cultivation.
Most crops are grown in the north of France
UNPT and CNIPT recorded the greatest increase in space in the northern French region of Hauts-de-France, which now accounts for 64%. national potato growing area on 108,419 hectares. According to both associations, it is difficult to predict profits. The situation is made more difficult by excessive rainfall, lower planting density, non-uniform emergence and mold.
