France: The French potato market demands responsibility by 2026 after a season with large surpluses

France has broken records with 8.5 million tons and 197,000 hectares cultivated, an increase of 13% and 15% respectively compared to the previous year. This growth, far from benefiting the sector, has completely destabilized the market. 

An increase in surface area disconnected from market reality

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Already in the planning for the 2025 campaign, the UNPT (National Union of Potato Growers) had warned about the risk of expanding acreage without taking into account medium-term market signals. The following months only served to confirm the warning:

• Decline in exports of processed products.

• Unforeseen business disruptions.

• Investments postponed by the industry.

• European production is on the rise.

All of this led to a critical situation during the new harvest.

Demand for industrial potatoes is falling and prices are plummeting

The industry drastically reduced off-contract purchases, leaving large volumes without a clear outlet. The free market price plummeted in Europe to record lows, between €5 and €15/t, an unsustainable value that is pushing many producers to the brink of financial ruin.

A saturated market: there’s no shortage of potatoes, there’s a shortage of buyers

According to the UNPT, there is no indication that the French or European market, either for processing or fresh produce, can absorb more production in 2026. Supply is already abundant; what is lacking are commercial opportunities and real demand.

Each hectare represents thousands of euros at risk

Growing one hectare of potatoes involves a very high investment even before harvest: seeds, fertilizers, energy, storage… costs that continue to increase every year. Without a reliable contract, a guaranteed outlet, and a solid storage strategy, a single additional hectare can become a serious economic risk for the farm.

The UNPT summarizes it like this: “The freedom to produce is not the freedom to put one’s own work tool at risk, nor the balance of the entire chain.”

2026 will demand realistic, market-based decisions

The organization is urging producers to act with clarity and strategic thinking. It’s not about abandoning potatoes, but about remembering that it’s a demanding, capital-intensive crop that depends on a stable market.

The recommendation is clear: – Do not expand your footprint without a real guarantee of exit. – Prioritize profitability and contractual security. – Avoid increases that could worsen market saturation.