Domestic consumption in retail and processing markets remains at pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The same trend can currently be observed in other fresh products. Queens continue to be lifted this week, with more available now. Again, quality is reported to be very good and the yield is above average. Trade remains sluggish, with staple crops in stores putting pressure on growers burdened by increased energy costs.
Across Europe, buyers of major processing plants are now focused on contracts, and demand for free buy has “dried up”, apart from some surplus contracts. Yields from the new crop are reported to be high, "a week earlier" than last year.
The seed production area in Scotland has fallen this year (10,219 hectares vs 10,461 hectares) due to Brexit. In the UK, the early varieties are doing well and many of the main crops are looking very good, but quality problems are starting to emerge. All areas but the northwest are drying out, where high winds have hampered irrigation for the past four weeks. The common scab disease is found in crops in the eastern part of the country.
Source: ifa.ie