In its latest potato report, the Irish Farmers’ Association said that retail markets remain static as school holidays are in full swing. Meanwhile, demand for the processing sector is buoyant.
More queens are coming onto the market this week as liftings are approximately 10 days ahead of last year. Yields are reported to be above average and eating quality is very good. Roadside sales are very slow to take off this year. Most of home guard and premiere are now cleared.
According to provisional IFA early planting figures, the area of earlies planted is slightly less than the 2021 area. What’s more, the area of premiere and home guard is similar to last year and there is a slight reduction of the area of queens.
However, in the UK, demand for old maincrop is almost solely for whites and some good movement is again reported for quality samples. Trade for old crop m. piper is slowing down quickly but, in the East, renewed interest was noted from buyers who are not convinced that the new crop is yet suitable. Meanwhile across Europe, processing activity continues to be very strong but buyers are now much more relaxed.