Frosty conditions over the past week are a major concern for growers, ultimately leading to crop losses. The severity of losses is not yet known. The weather outlook for the next week is unsettled making it more likely that remaining crop will not be harvested until next Spring.
Lifting progress is very slow and a lot of growers still have between 20% and 25% of their crop left to harvest. Farm gate prices should increase due to the forecasted reduction in supply.
In the U.K. price increases have been seen in many sectors, particularly for best quality supplies as growers are reluctant to move good quality contracted supply.
Lifting conditions remain quite difficult across Europe and progress has been minimal. Rainfall totals have been from 30mm up to 60mm in the Netherlands. The area remaining to be lifted ranges from around 5% in Northern France and Belgium to 10%-15% in the Netherlands. The heavier soils are most delayed and it is now becoming clear that much of the crop in the ground at present may not be cleared before the New Year.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
Low | High | Average | |
Rooster box | €330 | €380 | €350 |
Rooster10 kg bag | €3.70 | €4.20 | €4.00 |
Whites box | €300 | €350 | €330 |
K Pinks 10kg bag | €5.00 | €5.50 | €5.20 |