Industry remains positive despite 3.5m-tonne potato harvest loss forecast

18th September 2026

The summer drought could cut the potato harvest across Great Britain and mainland Europe by around 3.5 million tonnes, according to the ECIU, but the industry remains positive as much of the crop is still in the ground.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) reported that lost potato production in Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands would be valued at between £428 and £703 million (€498 million and €818 million).

Will Shakeshaft, managing director at Greens of Soham, said that potato yields are expected to be between 10 and 30% lower this year, which will also coincide with challenging quality.

When asked about this summer’s dry weather conditions, he added: “The dry weather meant that water was needed sooner for crop establishment as well as irrigation.

“Due to the water needing to be used earlier, the water reserves were low much quicker than normal. This coupled with the intense heat where extra water was needed. Water has been a huge problem this year.”

Mr Shakeshaft explained that additional irrigation brings several extra costs. “It is not just the cost of the water; there is also the labour and machinery power required.

“We have also had to apply extra nutrition and bio stimulants to keep the cup as healthy as possible and reduce the stress.”

Mr Shakeshaft described this season as “challenging”. He added: “This is the second season consecutively where the weather has been a biggest issue and it feels like we will not get a reprieve next year.” According to Greens of Soham, maincrop potatoes seem to be performing better from a yield point of view.

Importance of secure and reliable access to water for food production.

Scott Walker, CEO of GB Potatoes, said that the prolonged hot and dry weather, accompanied by severe drought conditions, has undoubtedly affected potato crops across Great Britain and north-west Europe. “However, with much of the crop still to be harvested, it is too early to put a reliable figure on overall losses,” he added.

The expert explained that the impact varies considerably according to region, soil type and access to irrigation. “Some unirrigated crops in the hardest-hit parts of England have experienced significant yield reductions and produced smaller tubers. The position in Scotland is generally better, as growers have not experienced the same sustained heat and drought, although conditions still vary between regions,” he continued.

Mr Walker said that there will still be potatoes available for consumers, but flexibility from retailers and processors on size and specification will be important to maximise the use of this year’s crop.

“This season underlines the importance of secure and reliable access to water for food production. Water is not an optional extra for potato growing. Growers need a planning and regulatory system that enables them to invest in reservoirs, capture water during periods of high rainfall and store it until their crops need it.

“If governments are serious about strengthening food security and increasing domestic food production, water storage and supply for agriculture must be treated as strategic national infrastructure,” he concluded.

A McCain spokesperson said the company was working closely with its growers to understand and manage the impacts of increasingly challenging weather conditions, while helping to build resilience across UK potato farming.

“Strengthening the UK’s long-term food security is a shared challenge, and through our grower support programmes and commitment to regenerative agriculture we are playing our part alongside farmers, government and others across the food system.

“While this summer’s prolonged dry weather is creating challenges across the UK and Europe, we are working with our partners to maintain a reliable supply of the products people know and love,” they added.

‘It is vital we strengthen the resilience of our food system’

NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board vice chair (potatoes) Tim Rooke echoed this outlook, saying that with most of the potato crop still in the ground, it is too early to assess the full impact.

“We do, however, expect yields to be lower, and potatoes could be smaller than in previous years.”

Mr Rooke added that despite the difficult climate, growers have been working hard to maintain quality and maximise yields, and there will still be plenty of potatoes available for consumers.

“As the UK increasingly experiences extreme weather events, it is vital we strengthen the resilience of our food system. The government’s horticulture growth strategy offers a real opportunity to achieve this through targeted policy actions.

“Streamlining the planning system for reservoirs and greater flexibility in abstraction licences would give growers the confidence to invest and reduce reliance on imports, helping to build a resilient and profitable British horticulture sector,” he concluded.