Contract negotiations for the 2026 potato crop across northwest Europe indicate lower prices, reduced contracted volumes and a sharper focus on premium fry varieties, while grower organisations in France and the Netherlands argue that production costs leave little room for cuts.

In France, the National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT) said recent contract announcements for the 2026/2027 campaign have had the effect of a “real shock” for growers. The organisation said contracted volumes per hectare could fall by up to 20% and that announced price levels are down by 25% compared with the previous campaign, “even though production costs are not falling.”

As an example, UNPT referred to a Fontane base price ex-field of around €130 per tonne, compared with €180 per tonne in 2025. It said the proposed levels are “largely below production costs” and represent “a clear break with the spirit and objectives of the EGALIM laws,” urging growers to exercise extreme caution in planting decisions for 2026/2027.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch Arable Farmers’ Union (NAV) and its Working Group for Potatoes for Consumption (WCA) also said the cost price for 2026 is expected to fall only “by a fraction” compared with 2025, following several years of sharp increases.

According to NAV, WCA calculates 2026 cost prices at 22.8 euro cents per kilogram for ex-field delivery on clay soils and 29.1 euro cents per kilogram for delivery from storage in week 12. For sandy soils, the corresponding figures are 18.7 and 24.1 euro cents per kilogram. The calculations exclude VAT and irrigation.

NAV highlighted rising storage costs in recent years and concluded: “The calculations show that there is absolutely no room for a reduction in contract prices.”

Reported processor contract terms reflect a broader market adjustment. Dutch agribusiness outlet Boerenbusiness reported that Simplot-Clarebout has introduced a two-track contract structure for 2026, with a base offer covering 75% of the previous year’s volume and an option to contract additional tonnes. The publication reported that the company is starting its season later, from week 33, and that Innovator growers can fix 100% of volume, subject to adjustment.

Boerenbusiness quoted purchasing director Yves Capoen as saying: “We hope that growers realise that acreage and volumes need to come down in order to keep the market healthy.” The outlet also reported the introduction of a bonus/malus quality system linked to criteria such as dry matter, colour and grading, with Capoen stating: “The delivered quality must come first, and only then the volume.”

In a separate report, Boerenbusiness said Lamb Weston is applying a generic contract price reduction of 13% to 20% for 2026/2027, while maintaining a premium for Ivory Russet. The outlet reported main-crop prices of €12.25 per 100 kilograms for Fontane at the start of delivery, rising to €22.65 in week 17 and €25.05 in week 26, with Innovator priced higher. It also noted that the processor declined to comment on reported volume reductions.

Taken together, official grower cost calculations and reported processor contracts point to a coordinated reset for 2026. While input pressures may ease marginally, grower organisations argue that contract levels remain below sustainable cost thresholds, even as processors prioritise premium varieties and tighter supply management.