Germany's Potato Problem: Free Spuds in Berlin Highlight Europe's Agricultural Crisis

• Berlin saw tons of free potatoes distributed in public spaces, drawing large crowds, due to a massive surplus in Europe.
• The giveaway, organized by Ecosia and Berliner Morgenpost, aimed to rescue potatoes from market failure, with 4,000 tons transported from a Leipzig farm.
• Germany's 2025 potato harvest hit a 25-year high of 13.4 million tons, leading to collapsed prices and potatoes being diverted to animal feed or destroyed.
• While praised for reducing food waste, farmers' groups criticized the initiative, warning it could further depress prices and harm struggling growers.
• The potato crisis highlights a broader tension in Europe's food system, where abundance coexists with waste and financial distress for farmers.

Why It Matters: Germany's free potato giveaway exposed Europe's agricultural surplus crisis, balancing food waste reduction with farmer concerns.