Retail demand and consumer consumption of potatoes has levelled out this week. Growers continue to harvest crops where they can. Bruising is still a big concern as a result of harvester damage. Some cases of dry rot have been occurring as well. Recent rain has made ground conditions a bit stickier, which will aid harvesting, however, dry matter levels in tubers are still high so caution is required.
Growers report that yields are average at best but quality is very good. There is a lot of concern around the cost of production already foregone for the year’s crop and storage costs. Growers must be compensated for these additional costs and additional margin passed directly to growers immediately.
In the UK, harvest progress has been very good in all areas, with many growers in the South and the South East now 50 to 75% cleared and some maincrop growers already finished. Growers in the east are still applying 25mm of irrigation to avoid bruising. Yields are reported to be substantially reduced on last year. In Scotland, only 10% of maincrop has been lifted for storage.
Across Europe, although some parts are still dry, 25 to 50mm has improved lifting conditions and in France total clearance is estimated at 50%.
Source: ifa.ie