Modern potato farming in the United Kingdom: current challenges and prospects for development

Issue № 7, 2026, article № 14, pages 147-157

Section: ABROAD

Language: Russian

Original language title: СОВРЕМЕННОЕ КАРТОФЕЛЕВОДСТВО В ВЕЛИКОБРИТАНИИ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ

Keywords: POTATO, POTATO FARMING, THE UNITED KINGDOM, YIELD, CULTIVATED AREA, CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract: This article examines the current state of potato farming in the United Kingdom. Based on an analysis of data from the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), the article examines trends in potato cultivated areas, its distribution across regions of the United Kingdom, data on the harvest of seed and ware potatoes, yield figures and storage methods. The study examined trends in potato imports and exports, unit production costs, and wholesale prices for seed and ware potatoes. Based on the analysis carried out, current challenges facing the development of modern potato farming have been identified. These are attributed to climate warming in the country, weather instability at various times of the year, a shift in British consumers’ preferences towards fast-moving consumer goods, a reduction in potato cultivated areas, rising costs of energy, as well as low wholesale prices for potatoes in 2025 and a labour shortage during the harvest period. Recommendations have been put forward to address the above issues and ensure the sustainable development of potato farming in the United Kingdom in the near future.

Authors: Sereda Aleksandr Anatolevich