France: French potato production could reach 8.5 million tons

With an estimated average yield of 43 t/ha, slightly lower than in 2024 (-5%), domestic ware potato production could reach 8.5 million tons, or nearly 900,000 tons more than last year. This level, unprecedented in more than ten years, is explained by an exceptional increase in surface area, which has reached 197,000 hectares (+25% since 2023).

These projections are based on initial harvest trends: while not all crops have yet been planted, they already show strong momentum, confirming UNPT’s warnings for over a year about the risk of production volumes exceeding the market’s actual capacity to date. In a challenging international economic climate for exports, the priority is clear: preserving the economic value of the French harvest.

However, the processing potato market already illustrates this fragility. Prices for early varieties are falling to levels close to zero euros per ton. Accepting these conditions is fueling a destructive spiral and operating at a loss. Production must not fall into this trap by categorically refusing to deliver at these destructive price levels. The fresh produce market, although also under pressure, offers better prospects at this stage.

The contract must be respected

Given this situation, the contract remains the central tool for economic stability, but only on the condition that it is implemented without revision, withdrawal, or undue pressure on approvals (excesses that have unfortunately been observed in recent months). Respect must also be reciprocal: producers must offer quality that meets specifications, which is crucial for value. The UNPT will continue to fully support producers and their representative organizations, especially in the legal field, to ensure they firmly adhere to these contractual commitments.

While the 2025 campaign begins in a unique context, it is a long-term process that requires collective responsibility, especially among professionals, until the summer of 2026. The UNPT will fully play its role in this effort: continuing its market analysis and advisory role, supporting producers and their organizations in all their advocacy requests, and now working to open new alternative avenues for the development of non-contractual volumes.