French Potato Production Hit by Severe Drought, Yields Drop to Historic Lows
According to the National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT), French production is projected to fall by approximately 23% year-on-year. Such a decline would make this season one of the worst recorded for the sector. “This season could represent one of the most severe production declines ever for French potatoes,” warns the organisation.
Average yields for potatoes intended for consumption are forecast to reach only 37.4 tonnes per hectare**, compared with 43.5 tonnes in 2025**. UNPT describes the shortfall as “the lowest yield observed in over 30 years.” This reduction would exceed the output loss caused by the historic drought of 2022.
The situation has raised urgent concern among growers. On some farms, the combined pressures of extreme heat and prolonged water shortage could cause substantial losses and destabilize farm finances. For UNPT, the “disastrous economic consequences of this exceptional situation” cannot be shouldered by farmer **alone.**
Falling yields threaten to prevent certain producers from meeting volume commitments made to industrial buyers. Consequently, the sector is calling for “contracted volumes to be adjusted to reflect the actual harvest reality.”
Facing this challenging scenario, producers are demanding “exceptional” support and pressing the government to “engage in determined dialogue,”** especially with EU partners. They aim to avoid a “double penalty”: major agricultural losses compounded by commercial setbacks.
As harvest approaches, tension spreads throughout the industry. Worry grows that this season will have enduring consequences for French potato production.