2022

Margus, Aigi; Lindström, Leena

The history of potato farming expands over 500 years in Europe. Potato is an introduced plant to Europe and its major pests (potato blight and the Colorado potato beetle) also originate from the native areas of potato and were subsequently brought to Europe. Since 1951, the International European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has been responsible for harmonizing plant protection across its member states. Together with its standards and regulations, and directives of EU, the aim was to work on protecting the European potato markets from the further introduction of pests. Although a number of insect species attack potato plants in Europe, pathogens, rather than insect herbivores, currently cause the major problems in European potato production. Whereas Europe is the net exporter of potato, potato production has declined in the last 20 years. This is likely a result of both the changes in pest problems and climate but also in the consumer choices. The future of potato production in Europe will be affected mostly by climate change. If predictions of severe droughts in Southern Europe and intensifying pest problems with increasing temperatures in Northern Europe come true, potato yields will most likely decline. An open question is whether the agricultural policies (EU green deal and pesticides bans) and consumer choices (against/for potato) will further affect potato production and the pest problems.