Home consumption and retail sales remain stable. The cost of potato production remains a significant concern this week as rising diesel prices impact harvesting expenses. Growers are increasingly questioning the long-term viability of production under these economic pressures. Some crops are reported to have bulked up well since the drought although issues with secondary growth are also reported.
The NPEG/World Potato Markets reports that the combined production of consumption potatoes in Belgium, France, Germany and Holland will be down by 25% and is the smallest since 2018. Yields in Belgium are down by 30% and in France 20%. In the U.K. some growers continue to delay burning down in an effort to increase yield.
