The article discusses the substantial drop in potato prices in Europe due to a crisis of overproduction. Following a series of excellent harvests, four major potato-producing countries in Northwestern Europe—Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—are warning about the risks linked to overproduction, as reported by the Northwestern European Potato Growers (NEPG). In 2025, these nations harvested a staggering 30 million tons of potatoes, marking a 10% increase year-on-year, which has exacerbated the imbalance between supply and demand.

Farmers in Belgium have taken to the streets, distributing flyers and potatoes on highways in Flanders to protest against the price drop and market weakening caused by free trade agreements established by the European Union. These local protests highlight the broader issues faced by farmers as they struggle against declining prices, which threaten their livelihoods. "The sector in Europe is facing real difficulties this year, primarily due to the imbalance between supply and demand," says François-Javier Bruten, reflecting the sentiments of many farmers affected by this situation.

The implications of this potato crisis extend beyond just pricing; it raises concerns about the sustainability of the agriculture sector in Europe and the potential need for policy interventions. With overproduction leading to price collapses, there may be a call for regional measures to stabilize the market and ensure fair trading conditions that prioritize the interests of farmers, who are the backbone of the agricultural industry.