Due to this year's unfavorable weather conditions, some potato growers in Latvia may face bankruptcy, according to Aiga Kraukle, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Association of Potato Growers and Processors.
She said that recovery from the poor season will take farmers more than a year, with the outcome depending on each farm's level of investment. Kraukle added that a notable increase in potato prices in retail is not expected, as Europe overall had good harvest results.
For Latvian growers, however, costs were higher due to the wet conditions. As a result, potato prices at local markets, where producers sell directly, are expected to rise.
The harvest is still ongoing, with some fields remaining too wet to dig and some areas where crops have already rotted. Kraukle estimated that at least 10 percent of this year's planted area will not be harvested. Once the season concludes, the association will survey its members to determine the extent of unharvested land.
Concerns have also been raised about storage. Kraukle explained that potato skins are maturing slowly, requiring extra drying. Tubers harvested from wetter soils may rot within weeks, while those from less damp fields that are properly dried should be suitable for normal storage.
On 5 August, the Cabinet of Ministers declared a state of emergency in agriculture across Latvia, effective until 4 November 2025. Based on information from the Ministry of Agriculture, the European Commission announced at the end of September that €4.2 million (US$4.5 million) in EU emergency support would be allocated to Latvian farmers to mitigate weather-related damage.
The Latvian Association of Potato Growers and Processors, founded in 1997, represents growers and processors, coordinates activities to defend common interests, promotes cooperation and market development, and engages with state and international institutions on behalf of its members.
Source: BNN