CLEAN FERTILIZER IN POTATO : THE AGRONOMICAL PARTNER TO FACE THE SEASON'S CHALLENGES

The sector is dominated by the processing industry. In north-western Europe — often referred to as the NEPG zone (Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany) — the potato market is heavily structured by the agri-food industry. Belgium occupies a central place in this system: the processing industries consume more than 6 million tons of potatoes per year.

2. HIGH PRICE VOLATILITY

The potato market is highly sensitive to production and stocks volumes.

Recent examples:

• The price on the open market fell to €50/t in 2025, a historical low level.
• In 2026, certain varieties intended for industrial use were sold for around €130/t, compared with €180/t the previous year.

This volatility is exacerbated by:

• The weather conditions (drought, disease).
• The cultivated area.
• The stock volumes.
• Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on European products may slightly influence the potato market. On the other hand, the indirect effects may be significant for the French fry industry, particularly in Belgium.

Profitability now depends largely on industrial contracts, while producers are considering reducing the planted surface to rebalance the market for the coming season.