Potato prices on the domestic market were influenced by the decrease of about 2,000 hectares in the areas planted with potatoes during the past three years, with production declining from 214,000 to 175,000 tonnes, IPN reports, quoting the National Food Safety Agency.

The Agency said domestic potato consumption is about 300,000 tonnes and this can be satisfied with locally grown potatoes in the amount of 50-60%. Therefore, potatoes are imported from Belarus, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Poland, the Federal Republic of Germany and other countries.

Currently, 15 business entities import potatoes from Belarus and other countries. During March 26 – May 3 this year, 19 consignments of potatoes of the 121 imported from Belarus were found to be noncompliant and were returned. After May 3, no infected consignments were discovered.

The Agency noted agrifood products can be imported freely if the food security and plant health requirements are observed.

On retail markets, the prices of potatoes recently rose from 7-8 lei to 16-17 lei per kilogram.