Estonia's new potatoes arrived in stores a week earlier than usual

Estonia's new potatoes arrived in stores unusually early this year, about a week sooner than in previous years. Harvesting began on 12 June at Koorti Kartul's field in Viljandimaa. Potato growers consider pre-Midsummer sales profitable, as consumer demand is high.

Estonia's new potatoes reached shelves this summer at record speed, with farmers beginning the harvest roughly a week ahead of schedule. In Lätkalu village, Viljandimaa, a potato harvester took to the field for the first time on 12 June 2026.

Early harvest demands exceptional effort

Janek Lass, board member of Koorti Kartul, said that such an early harvest surprised even him. The achievement was made possible through careful preparation: potatoes were planted on 18 April and seeds were pre-sprouted by hand before sowing.

"We planted the potatoes on 18 April, and we're harvesting them today. These potatoes require a bit more attention. You actually have to sprout them first and only then plant them. Of course, variety selection is also extremely important," Lass explained.

His field grows the earliest variety, Solist. Lass admitted that even for him this is a surprising experience—they have never harvested such early potatoes at this stage before.

"It comes down to timely action, and frankly, the weather this year has been quite favourable for potato cultivation. It was actually a surprise for us too. We've never harvested potatoes this early or achieved yields like this before, but I must say that everything is going well this year," Lass said.

Stores see good prices and quality

Lass sells early potatoes to retailers at 2.5-3 euros per kilogram. Estonia's new potatoes reached the market this week at Türi Rimi supermarket, for example.

"Local new potatoes went on sale just today. Sales are already happening because the price is very competitive-3.49 euros per kilogram. The potatoes themselves are very beautiful and high-quality, and we're hoping for excellent sales," said Vija Šuman, manager of Türi Rimi.

According to Lass, consumer interest in early potatoes is strong, and without reliable demand farmers wouldn't go to such lengths for an early harvest. Regular summer potatoes are typically harvested from fields in early July.