Potatoes are one of Romania’s staple crops, with an estimated production of 2.8 million tonnes in 2024, according to INS data.

The average annual per capita consumption is around 90 kg, placing Romania among the European countries with the highest potato consumption.

However, to cover demand, Romania imported over 350,000 tonnes of potatoes in 2024, with the value of imports exceeding €120 million.

Domestic production is concentrated in the Brașov, Covasna, and Harghita regions, but climate challenges and the lack of irrigation reduce the competitiveness of Romanian farmers.

In the medium term, investments in drought-resistant varieties, modern cold storage facilities, and mechanization could ensure higher yields and reduce dependence on imports.

(Photo: Freepik)