Alert in the EU potato sector due to the resurgence of late blight

In 2024, the European Union (EU) is grappling with a significant threat from potato late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, which is rapidly developing more complex virulence spectra to overcome resistance genes. This fungus can destroy potato crops quickly, leading to an annual economic loss of approximately €900 million. To combat this crisis, eight European organizations have formulated a strategy aimed at both short-term and medium-term solutions. The short-term plan includes enhancing dialogue and improving communication about Integrated Pest Management. The medium-term strategy focuses on a collaborative effort by the crop protection sector, breeders, researchers, and European farmers to utilize effective plant protection products, resistant potato varieties, and improved agricultural management practices. Covering 1.7% of the EU's arable land, potatoes are a crucial part of the European agricultural sector, with a total value of €9.1 billion in 2019 and expected to reach €3 billion in processed potato production by 2022. The sector employs around 1.5 million farms and accounts for about 3% of the EU's total agricultural production.