Weekly Potato Report

Week beginning 10/10/05

Home Market Prices: (Ex-farm)

Prices quoted above are direct to packer/merchants in bags (10kgs) or boxes.

All areas of the country have experienced heavy rainfall in the last two days with some areas getting up to two inches. This will delay lifting even further in what is already a late season in the North West and Meath areas. Good quality washing material continues to command good returns with Pinks and Rooster between €350 and €400 in tonne boxes. There is still no progress on the consolidation of entitlements issue for potato growers with a change in EU Council Regulation extremely unlikely. IFA now hopeful of a change in the interpretation of the regulations.

GB: K Edward for packing up to £185, Maris Piper £120-£150, King Edward wholesale bag up to £180, Wilja up to £100.In store pack promotions resulted in an improved demand for packing material but a generally slow trade was reported in the bag market. Good harvesting progress was made over the last week. Late planted crops are still being burned off which will extend the harvest period for another two to three weeks. Progress is on par with last year.