Increase in Potato Harvest in Ukraine
In 2025, the potato harvest in Ukraine increased, thanks to favorable weather conditions. However, it is currently impossible to accurately determine the amount of the vegetable harvested. According to professional producers, this year, 18 thousand hectares were planted with potatoes, which is 20% more compared to the previous year.
It is projected that the officially grown potatoes will amount to just over half a million tons. However, according to unofficial data, the volume of harvested vegetables could exceed 10 million tons. This indicates a significant difference between the official and actual statistics in the agricultural sector.
Issues with Quality and Control
Prices for potatoes have also changed. Specifically, they have decreased by 10% compared to last week, and today buyers can purchase potatoes for a price ranging from 6 to 12 hryvnias per kilogram. However, Olga Samoilychenko, the executive director of the Ukrainian Potato Producers Association (UAPA), noted that there are problems with quality control and the origin of potatoes.
“Unregistered farms typically use uncertified seed material, which may be infected with dangerous viruses and pests.”
Olga Samoilychenko, Executive Director of UAPA
Furthermore, Samoilychenko pointed out the inadequacy of the origin control system for potatoes on store shelves and markets in Ukraine. This may complicate the consumption of quality products, as buyers cannot always be confident in their safety.
Thus, although the potato harvest in Ukraine has increased, there are many factors that complicate the acquisition of accurate data on the volumes of cultivated vegetables.
The increase in potato harvest may positively impact food security in Ukraine; however, issues with quality and the origin of products raise concerns. The need to improve the quality control system remains an important task for the agricultural sector, as it affects consumer trust and the economic indicators of the industry. Since potatoes are a vital food product for the population, addressing these issues could be key to improving the market situation.