Reason 1:
... food security. With a self-sufficiency rate of more than 100 percent, domestic demand can be fully met with potatoes grown in Germany. Produced, marketed and consumed locally, the German potato sector makes a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture. The predominantly medium-sized structure of the potato industry forms the basis for flexibility, innovation and a long-term, multi-generational outlook.
Reason 2:
... crop rotation and sustainable farming systems. As a broadleaf row crop, potatoes play an important role in crop rotation. Given Germany’s productive soils, good nutrient-retention capacity and temperate climate with generally adequate rainfall, potato cultivation is an integral part of agricultural production. Despite relatively high water management requirements, potatoes are considered one of the most water-efficient arable crops. In 2025, potatoes were grown on more than 300,000 hectares across Germany, with Lower Saxony being the country's main production region.
Reason 3:
... value creation in rural areas. From breeding and cultivation to harvesting, processing and marketing, the potato sector is a key driver of economic activity in rural Germany. Rural areas account for around 90 percent of the country’s territory and form the backbone of agriculture and the living environment for many people. Maintaining this requires political conditions that strengthen farming businesses, including potato growers, while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
Reason 4:
... healthy nutrition. Potatoes are a true nutritional powerhouse. In addition to vitamin C and several B vitamins, they provide important nutrients such as potassium and magnesium. Low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, potatoes are an excellent source of sustained energy. When consumed with the skin on, such as boiled "jacket potatoes", they also provide valuable bioactive compounds found in the peel. Potatoes fit easily into modern dietary trends and are an important component of plant-based and vegan diets.
Reason 5:
... a diverse and versatile food supply. Few crops offer such a wide range of culinary uses. Whether roasted, steamed, boiled or fried, potatoes appear on menus in countless forms. Their importance also extends well beyond food applications. Potato starch is widely used in the production of paper and cardboard, while demand also comes from specialist sectors such as adhesives and pharmaceutical products, as well as technical applications in industries including textiles, construction and water management.