Potatoes: 15/05/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: The broken weather and cool evenings are ensuring there is still a strong potato trade. There is a slight increase in the farmgate price, particularly in the wholesale and peeling markets. With potato crop in the ground now finished and ambient material almost cleared, peelers and wholesale buyers are now having to turn to new customers. This is creating a stronger tone in the market, which we should see improve further in the coming weeks. Planting progress has continued across the country. However, it is very much stop-start, with the south and southeast still running very late. At this stage, it is estimated that 50% of the total area remains unplanted. Across northwestern Europe, plantings are well advanced, but it is very concerning to hear of reports that plantings may have increased this year despite the current low potato market prices.