Approximately 10% to 15% of potatoes are yet to be lifted this season, the majority of which are in the northeast and northwest according to Teagasc tillage specialist Shay Phelan.

Conditions for harvest are extremely difficult at present, as wet conditions slow things down and create huge waste.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Shay commented that tare values are at approximately 30% to 40%, while there is risk of rot in the wet, such as pink rot or gangrene, and now there is also a risk of damage and bruising due to frost.

Contamination

Drying and grading is slowed down as there is a lot of soil contamination, risk of rot entering stores and damaged product needs to be identified.

Despite these issues, production is expected to be at average levels this year. However, this is lower than 2021 the Teagasc specialist commented. He expects supply will be down on last year due to reduced area and yield.

While area reduced this year, there are fears that 2023 could see further decline as costs rise on farms. Some potato farmers are seeing energy costs for curing and storage rise by 100%.

The National Potato Conference run by the Irish Farmers' Association in association with Bord Bia and Teagasc will be held on Tuesday with a strong focus on marketing.