Potato harvesting is progressing well, with over half the area now lifted. Recent rain has actually improved harvesting conditions in some areas where soil was quite dry and it was difficult to avoid bruising during harvest.

Pat Farrell of the IFA estimates that on average 50% to 60% of the crop is now lifted across the country.

This could be as high as 70% across the south and southeast, but progress is slower in the big Dublin/Meath/Louth region, which is estimated at 35% to 40% complete. Progress in Donegal is put at between 40% and 50%.

Yields are good and better than last year for some growers. Eating quality is excellent for those who like a floury spud, but common scab is a frequent problem for skin finish.

Consumption is reported to be holding up well and may be helped by the good quality.

A good crop across Europe continues to put pressure on potato prices, and with an estimated 90% of the British crop harvested, there is little chance that this sentiment will alter in the medium term.

Production area in Ireland is estimated to be back around 15% on last year, but yields may be up slightly. On balance, it seems likely that overall supply volume will be down about 8% on last year.

Prices are stable with washing-quality Rooster making €200-250/t. Red-skinned varieties for the unwashed market are back to €180-220/t, while white-skinned varieties are back to €150-180/t.