Drought: French potato growers fear harvest slump

. This decline follows an exceptional water deficit and several heatwaves, which have produced smaller tubers and a sharp drop in yields.

Published on 24/08/2026 - 10:13 GMT+2

France's potato harvest is set to be particularly poor this year, after five heatwaves and months of severe drought that farmers say will slash yields.

According to the National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT), French production could fall by around 23% year on year. Such a decline would make this season one of the worst ever recorded for the sector. "This season could mark one of the sharpest production slumps ever recorded for French potatoes", the organisation warns.

Average yields for potatoes destined for consumption are expected to reach only 37.4 tonnes per hectare, compared with 43.5 tonnes in 2025. UNPT is talking of "the lowest yield observed for more than 30 years". This drop would even be greater than the one caused by the historic drought of 2022.

The situation is causing serious concern among growers. On some farms, the combined effects of heat and a lack of water could lead to heavy losses and weaken their economic balance. For UNPT, "the disastrous economic consequences of this exceptional situation" cannot be borne by farmers alone.

Falling yields could also prevent some producers from meeting the volumes set out in their contracts with industrial buyers. The sector is therefore calling for "contracted volumes to be adjusted to reflect the reality of the harvest".

Faced with this situation, producers are demanding "exceptional" support and urging the government to "engage in determined dialogue", particularly with its European partners. They want to avoid suffering a "double penalty": substantial agricultural losses that could be compounded by commercial difficulties.

As the harvest approaches, concern is mounting across the industry. This season could leave a lasting mark on French potato production.

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