Ireland Potato Market Report

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

In Ireland, dryer weather is welcomed this week by areas where harvesting conditions are problematic, particularly Donegal. This dry period will hopefully aid the digging of the main Rooster crop. In Ireland, National Potato Day will take place on October 4th this year.

National Potato Day encourages consumers to purchase Irish potatoes and growers are encouraged to support any events taking place.

An initial estimation by NPEG which represents the five biggest producing countries in Northern Europe indicates that total production is 3% higher than the running average and 12% higher than last year at around 27 to 27.5 mt’s.

Average yield estimations appear to be lower than the five-year average but higher than last years’ drought hit figures.

In the United Kingdom there are expectations that the market will tighten as stocks are lifted into stores. Later in the season, export demand is likely to develop from Eastern Europe where drought and heavy rain has potentially restricted production.