This is the conclusion of a recent report published by GB Potatoes, comparing potato-based rotations with cereal-dominated cropping systems.
According to the report, potato rotations can produce up to 40% more food than cereal-based rotations.
Longer rotations improve crop health
In the UK, six-year potato rotations have become increasingly common, making the country one of the global leaders in sustainable potato production. In many other potato-growing regions, potatoes are still grown on the same land every three years.
Longer rotations help reduce the pressure from major pests and diseases, including potato cyst nematode (PCN) and fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia.
Better quality and more sustainable production
Agronomists point out that shorter rotations encourage the build-up of pests and pathogens, while market requirements for tuber quality continue to become more demanding.
At the same time, British growers are increasingly relying on diversified crop rotations—including wheat, malting barley, peas, sugar beet and cover crops—to improve soil health and maintain long-term productivity.
Benefits across the entire supply chain
The advantages of longer rotations are also being recognized by processors and packers. Companies such as McCain and Branston are investing in production systems focused on improved crop rotations and soil management.
In New Zealand, McCain reports that improved rotations have increased potato yields by 25% since the early 2000s while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 9%.
Building more resilient production systems
As sustainability and profitability become increasingly important, longer crop rotations are emerging as a key strategy to improve productivity, preserve soil health and strengthen the resilience of potato production systems.