In Cambridgeshire, Luke Ablett is facing unprecedented challenges with his potato crop. Operating a 400-acre (approximately 161.87 hectares) farm in Ramsey St Mary's, he reports being left with over 13 tons of unsold potatoes. "The market for potatoes seems to have come to an absolute halt, and no one seems to know why - it's a mystery, it's like someone has put the brake on the industry," Ablett stated.
Matthew Grindling from Isle of Ely Produce Limited confirms a decline in demand, particularly from the fish and chip sector. "Many farmers took a significant gamble this year, storing potatoes much later than usual in the hope of securing higher prices. Unfortunately, this has often meant storing potatoes in conditions that aren't ideal for long-term keeping, leading to a decline in quality," Grindling said.
Mr. Ablett remarks on the unusual surplus among local growers, "I have spoken to other local growers in Cambridgeshire, some of whom have told me they have a few hundred tons of potatoes in stock, with others having up to 1,000 tons." This glut arrives as new harvest seasons approach, adding to the stress for growers.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, notes challenges in the food service sector: "We are in a situation currently where the price we need to sell fish and chips for needs to increase just as consumers have less money in their pockets, so we are seeing a fall in demand."
Isle of Ely Produce Limited grows approximately 10,000 tons annually.
Source: BBC