UK potato yield down 40%
In the UK volumes are down by around 30% and in Ireland by 40%. This of course is due to the weather, a cold wet Spring and Summer has caused the drop in yields. Also in Scotland, conditions are still very wet and there is talk of problems with blight.
Colin Galbraith from Moorhouse and Mohan says, "sizes are down but quality is good. Maris Piper (main variety for frying) for example, is free from bruising which caused problems last year, and as long at it doesn't dry out too much it will remain good."
Prices are high compared to last year, reports are at around 32% higher, but actually farm gate prices could be as much as double that of last year, especially for the prime and specialised varieties, Colin reckons that prices for table varieties will get dragged up by this.
There may be quality issues down the line for stored potatoes but that remains to be seen.