Quality of main season Irish potatoes excellent

In the August 20th update by the Irish Farmers' Association of the potato market in Ireland, things are looking rosy...

Virtually all stocks of Queen potatoes are now cleared. Demand is high for remaining stocks and merchants are actively seeking them if they are available.

Digging of new season Rooster continues and increased prepack volumes are available on supermarket shelves this week. Supermarkets are expected to move on to 7.5kg bags in the next two weeks.

Excellent quality is reported to date of the main season crop.

In the UK, lifting of the main season crop and quality was hindered in some regions due to wet weather. Crop losses were reported in the North West caused by lifting hinderance and potatoes lying in waterlogged ground.

Export movement to Poland continues although demand has reduced this week as there has been a National Holiday. Some independent buyers in Poland speculate that demand for 45mm x 60mm whites will continue all season.

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA (Courtesy: Irish Farmers' Association)