Ground conditions are very much improved for parts of the country that were affected by flooding conditions and subsequently halted fieldwork. Another dry warm week has alleviated this and irrigation is on the agenda again. Irrigation is now ‘full on’ in many parts of the UK as soils are drying very quickly.
Lifting of Queens continue and some more volumes should become available this week. Retail demand is high for the new season crop. Old season crop will be required until September however growers are advised to not rule out supplying the peeling market.
Growers are reminded of the increased risk of blight as very humid conditions conducive to the spread of blight prevail for most of Munster, Connaught and Ulster. Met Éireann predict that fresher conditions are expected for the weekend. In the UK levels of virus are high in some crops and Blackleg is much more apparent than last year.
As continental Europe has switched to new crop supplies closer to home, the export trade is very limited. The North-western European Potato Growers (NEPG) have predicted an annual area expansion of 3% for continental Europe.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
Low | High | Average | |
Rooster box | €500 | €520 | €510 |
Rooster10 kg bag | €5.50 | €6.00 | €5.75 |
Queens 10kg bag | €8 | €10 | €9 |