Demand and consumption remain relatively steady. Harvest is now underway in many areas despite the delays in burning down crops. Harvest conditions are very good at present but as the month progresses the risk of harvest challenges increases. Yields are reported be to very variable, depending on individual fields. The impact of high diesel prices is particularly evident during harvest, when fuel consumption increases significantly.
Across Europe, lifting is being delayed by the very dry conditions. Progress is only 10-15% in Belgium but there are still growers who have crop not burnt off hoping that there may be yield increases. Fresh markets are reported to be relatively strong. In the U.K. lifting conditions are generally excellent but on the Eastern side of the country up to Yorkshire it is dry/very dry and irrigation is required before lifting.
