Comment: Liftings continue across the country, with more growers finishing this week. Lifting progress is estimated to be over 75%, but some parts of the country are well behind. Progress has been halted in Donegal for the last two weeks due to very wet conditions. There are continued reports of below-average yields. Retail demand has improved due to lockdown measures, although trade remains almost static in the processing sector.

Widespread rain across the UK this week has momentarily stopped lifting for many growers. With the weather due to pick up next week, many are hoping to finish off lifting in the coming couple of weeks. Tier 3 lockdowns are pressuring demand for potatoes and diminishing buyer confidence as procurement source on a hand-to-mouth basis. In Europe, the availability of very cheap free-buy in the processing sector is having a dulling effect on all trade, except for the best washing quality. Demand in the fresh markets is still relatively buoyant, but export markets are slow to gain momentum. Processing markets in northern Europe have had another poor week as lockdown comes into force again.