The price of potatoes is set to increase by a whopping 30% due to hikes in energy, fuel and growing inputs. With various factors impacting the production of potatoes, it’s understood that some of the chemistry used in potato production has also experienced huge increases in price over the past few months.
According to Wilson’s Country managing director Lewis Cunningham, there’s no sign of any easing with these costs and it’s likely that these costs will be sustained throughout 2022.
Farmers have been faced with increases across various farming material of late, and there appears to be no sign of relief as the increase is likely to take place.
As for the increase in fertiliser prices Wilson’s Country agronomist, Stuart Meredith says that fertiliser prices are currently over double the price compared to the same period last year and there is no sign of prices easing before planting. The first early crops are expected to be planted over the coming weeks, while the planting of main crop potatoes is expected in early spring.
Meredith comments that “given this backdrop, 2022 is a year for farmers to really be aware of all their costs, management of these costs along with excellent crop management will be essential”.
LSL News.