Potatoes: 17/10/2017

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: Due to the continuation of the unsettled weather, harvesting conditions remain difficult. Progress is slow in all regions. However, it is particularly difficult in counties Meath and Donegal. Many growers were finished lifting by 1 November in 2016 and there were virtually no losses of crop in the field. This year, it is inevitable that yields will now be affected due to the adverse harvesting conditions and there are already losses in fields where crops are lying in hollows, etc. Very little maincrop has found its way into the peeling sector yet, due to a combination of imports and lack of produce being offered by growers. This will have to change as the harvest progresses to ensure there is an outlet for all product. It is unacceptable for peelers to use imported product instead of Irish product, particularly when they boast of their Irish credentials and local sourcing policies.