Latvia grew a good potato crop. Now farmers may struggle to harvest it

Latvia · Agriculture & Food · 13 September 2026

Latvia’s potato season has turned from optimism about yields to concern about whether part of the crop can be harvested at all.

In July, growers told Latvian public broadcaster LSM that growing conditions looked considerably better than in 2025 and expectations for the crop were positive. At that stage, rainfall was still helping potato development.

By mid-September, the problem had reversed. Fields in several regions have become so waterlogged that machinery cannot enter them, according to the Latvian Potato Growers and Processors Association.

Association head Aiga Kraukle said potatoes can begin deteriorating after remaining in waterlogged soil for only a short period. Growers are already reporting areas that may no longer be harvestable, although the total affected area and eventual losses cannot yet be calculated.

The distinction matters: Latvia may have successfully grown a relatively good crop, while still bringing significantly less of it to market.

LSM reports that growers now expect fewer locally produced potatoes to reach shop shelves. The effect on prices remains uncertain and will also depend on harvest conditions elsewhere in Europe.

Source: LSM, July 5 and September 13, 2026.