Consumption and sales, particularly for packing-quality material, continue to improve. Overall demand has been steady in recent weeks, which has supported trade. Growers are currently lifting the main season crop. However, reports indicate that tare levels on early-planted material are higher than expected, with cracking issues prominent. Yields remain mixed, with unirrigated crops in the northeast of the country reported to be down compared to last year.
Across Europe, progress on processing varieties is estimated at 40–50 per cent. Irrigation before lifting is still required in the driest areas, and some growers have had to halt lifting again. Market conditions remain unchanged, with large volumes being diverted into AD and stockfeed. Some contracts are delayed, and rejection rates are reported to be increasing. There is currently no interest from buyers in free-buy potatoes.
Lifting progress for consumption potatoes is more advanced, with reports suggesting around 70 per cent completed in France. Markets remain almost entirely reliant on contracts.
For more information:
IFA
Tel: +353 1 450 0266
Email: [email protected]
www.ifa.ie
