Loppi potatoes

The history of the Loppi potato

The history of potatoes in Finland dates back to the 1700th century; soldiers who fought in the Pomeranian War brought potatoes home from Germany. Potato cultivation began in Häme in the 1770s in seven parishes, one of which was Loppi. Potatoes were mostly eaten boiled, although some Loppi residents ate them mixed with bread after boiling. Over the winter, potatoes were stored in turnip pits. Potato cultivation increased in Loppi from the 1830s onwards. Loppi's sandy soils are favorable for potato cultivation, and as a high-quality food potato, Loppi potatoes are a known concept in Finland and beyond.

Name protection sought for Loppe's potato

text by Sisko Savolainen

Kainuu rönttönen, Puruvesi vendace, Aito saunapalvikinkku, Suonenjoki mansikka and most recently Yläsavolainen muurinpohjalettu have been granted the European Union's PGI, i.e. protected geographical indication. The same name protection has now been applied for for Loppe potato.

The application for protection of the name of Loppi potato was submitted by potato farmers from Loppi in December 2024. The application was worked on in collaboration with ProAgria Southern Finland operators and local farmers.

The application for name protection is now being processed nationally by the Finnish Food Authority. It is responsible for the national assessment of the application and making a decision to grant name protection. The Finnish Food Authority will then submit the application to the Commission, which is responsible for organising the assessment at EU level and then for the possible actual registration of the name. All in all, the processing may take several years.

If Lopen peruna receives name protection, the brand will be available to anyone who meets the geographical area requirements.

According to the application, the geographical area of ​​Loppe potatoes consists of fields managed by Loppe farmers in Loppe and the surrounding areas. To ensure quality, the commercial preparation and packaging of Loppe potatoes also takes place in Loppe.

The most important criterion for Loppe's potatoes is quality. It has a good reputation, which is based on high-quality table potatoes grown in sandy soils well-suited for potato cultivation, and good service. Loppe's potatoes are produced professionally and responsibly, taking the environment into account.