In Finland, up to a fifth of the country's potato stock died in a fire that broke out in the municipality of Tirana, the republic's media reported on Friday.
Four halls had just over 4 million kg of this root crop, most of which were seed potatoes.
Experts believe that the consequences of the fire may affect the crop for several years.
"A considerable part of the potato production in Finland remains in the domestic market, but is also exported externally. The fire will affect both markets," says Hanna Kortama, director of agricultural production at the Finnish Food Administration.
Tyrnävä in northern Ostrobothnia and the neighboring municipality of Limminka produce about 70-75% of Finland's potatoes.
According to Cathy Pujanma, secretary general of the Potato Industry Cooperation Group, there are only three similar regions in Europe. They are located in Germany, Ireland and the regions.