PotatoEurope 2026 and the first-ever SugarBeet Expo brought the potato and sugar beet industries together in Springe near Hanover, Germany, on 9–10 September. Around 300 exhibitors showcased technologies and solutions designed to make root crop production more efficient, resilient and profitable.
Organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), PotatoEurope 2026 celebrated its 20th anniversary alongside the premiere of SugarBeet Expo 2026. Held at the Rittergut Gestorf estate, the joint event created a dedicated European platform for two of agriculture’s most economically important root crops.
Technology for Efficient and Climate-Resilient Farming
The exhibitions focused on practical solutions for efficient, resource-saving and climate-adapted potato and sugar beet production. Technologies, research and new farming practices addressing challenges such as drought, heat, invasive pests and volatile agricultural markets were among the key themes.
Speaking at the opening, DLG President Hubertus Paetow highlighted the need to adapt agricultural production systems to changing climatic and economic conditions. He stressed that maintaining competitive production would require practical technologies, innovative research and reliable policy frameworks.
Potato and Sugar Beet Production Faces New Challenges
Potatoes and sugar beet have traditionally played an important role in farm profitability, risk diversification and food security. Together, the two crops account for around 16% of German crop production turnover.
However, increasing drought, extreme heat and pest pressure are creating new challenges throughout the potato and sugar beet value chains.
According to Paetow, adapting production systems has therefore become a key priority. From crop rotation and variety selection to day-to-day crop management, farmers and agricultural businesses need solutions capable of maintaining both yield and quality under changing conditions.
