According to provisional official figures, the 2024 potato harvest will reach a record level. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expecting around 12.7 million tonnes – 9% more than in 2023 and 17% above the multi-year average. Lower Saxony, Germany’s largest growing region, is making a significant contribution to this with a harvest of 6.3 million tonnes, which is 15 per cent more than in the previous year.
Harvest success: higher quantities and good quality
The area under cultivation across Germany was increased by 9 per cent and now totals 289,300 hectares – the largest area since 2004. The quality of the potatoes is particularly important for farmers, which was ensured thanks to the good weather conditions in 2024. After a very wet spring, which initially delayed planting, the well-filled soil water reserves ensured stable yields of 44 tonnes per hectare on average – a figure that confirms the previous year’s yield and is 7 per cent above the multi-year average.
Opportunities for farmers and buyers
For farmers, this record harvest means more stability and the opportunity to further promote more sustainable cultivation methods. Chip factories benefit from the increased availability of high-quality potatoes, which ensure consistent quality and reliable supply chains in production. TASC International supports farmers and buyers with comprehensive services to efficiently organise logistics, storage and quality assurance.
Challenges in storage and logistics
The larger quantity of potatoes requires even more efficient storage and logistics in order to avoid quality losses. TASC International offers customised solutions that ensure end-to-end control of the entire supply chain – from harvesting to processing. These measures help to ensure that both farmers and chip factories can benefit from the bumper harvest in the long term.
Conclusion: A win-win situation for both sides
The bumper 2024 harvest in Lower Saxony is a win-win situation for farmers and the crisps industry. While farmers benefit from increased demand and stable partnerships, the crisps industry secures its supply of raw materials and can fully utilise its production capacities. Working with partners such as TASC International, who offer comprehensive solutions along the supply chain, is the key to sustainable success.