In Ireland retail sales and consumption have picked up and stabilised since the weather has deteriorated. Harvest conditions remain very poor following heavy rainfall over much of the country in the last 10 days. Prices continue to hold steady, as the new realisation of the season is emerging where crops may have to be over-wintered.
The National Potato Conference will take place on 22 November in the CityNorth Hotel, Gormanston, Meath this year.
Across Europe in the fresh consumption sector, a good steady demand is reported, with values in Germany edging higher. While markets are currently flat, growers are pushing for sales to avoid storage costs. Confidence in the export markets to Spain, Portugal and Eastern Europe later in the season is still positive, despite the very warm weather during October.
In the U.K. markets have been “subdued” this week but those supplying the catering sector report good demand. For Maris Pipers demand remains “lacklustre” and growers are generally keen to sell to try to avoid the increasing costs of electricity. Quality is generally good but bacterial rots are being found in stores which have been slow to stabilise.
For more information:
Irish Farmers Association
Tel: +353 1 450 0266
Email: info@ifa.ie
www.ifa.ie