High Quality but Variable Yields

Potato growers are currently busy digging crops, with mainly early sown crops being sold at retail level. According to reports from growers around the country, although yields are variable, the potatoes are of excellent quality.

In the south east of the country, early sown potatoes, which were sprouted at planting, have produced average yields, whilst later sown crops’ yields are significantly less. Digging is reportedly progressing well in this area, with many growers having at least half of their crop lifted out of the ground. Meanwhile, in the north of the country in Donegal, there is a small percentage of potatoes dug so far with most crops now burned off.  Farm gate prices remain stable across all product lines. Over in Europe, the main concern among potato growers is not being able to fill contracted supply. Germany has estimated their potato production to be down by 3 million tonnes with losses of 20% up to 50% depending on the farm and level of irrigation.

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA