Although in Cyprus, due to the mild climate and topography, fresh potatoes are harvested nearly all year around, for practical, historical and statistical reasons, the Cyprus potato production is divided in 4 crops namely:
The WINTER CROP, which is planted in August/September and harvested in November until February. This crop consists of 50% of the local consumption market and 50% of the export market.
The SPRING CROP or the ‘Main crop’ which is planted in November/February and harvested in March/June (mainly for export but also for local consumption).
The INTERMEDIATE CROP planted in October and harvested in late February, beginning of March (a small crop mainly produced for export).
The SUMMER CROP planted in April/June on Troodos mountains (very small quantities mainly for the local market).
It must be stressed that all potatoes for export (except in special occasions) comply with the Geneva definition of New Potatoes because they are lifted fresh, marketed fresh and are “scrapers”.
About 80-85% of Cyprus potatoes are produced in the coastal red soil area, South-East of Cyprus between the occupied by the Turkish troops “Ghost Town” of Famagusta and the town of Larnaca. Around 70% of the total production is exported, mainly to European countries.
Main Exporting Markets for Cyprus Potatoes are the UK, Germany and Belgium. Considerable quantities are also exported to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Greece, Italy and small quantities to many other countries.
Last year, the Cyprus potato production was approximately 130,000 tons, consisting of 85,000 on exports by the C.P.M.B. and only 2-3 thousand tons by other exporters (after the 1st of May). The UK imported a quantity of 16000 tons mainly for the wholesale markets. The balance (some 40-42 thousand tons have been consumed in Cyprus).