Potatoes: 15/08/2017

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: Farmgate prices of Queen potatoes seem to have settled at current levels. With supply and demand in equilibrium, growers should stay patient, as all crop will move over the coming weeks. The continuation of the unsettled weather and promotion of the Queen variety in retail outlets has ensured stronger sales over the past week. There is now some new-season Rooster on the main retail market, with initial yields described as average. Many growers are reporting that tuber numbers are disappointing, with suggestions that there will be major differences in yield and quality, depending on the region, planting dates, weather variance, etc. There are few quotes as of yet for new-season potatoes. However, deals are being done at €400/t in boxes.