Potatoes: 22/05/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: With ambient store potatoes all cleared, we are finally left with just cold store potatoes on the market. The most recent IFA survey shows that these cold store stocks will struggle to cover the supply needed before new-season main crop becomes fully available. Growers are receiving increased enquiries from companies in the peeling sector trying to source supplies for the next four months. Due to the market outlook, farmers will not sell peeling material at current values and we should shortly see farmgate price increases. The first of the early glasshouse material is now on the market. However, it will be at least the middle of June before we see the first outdoor produce on the market. A lot of progress has been made on potato plantings and most should be completed by the end of next week, weather-permitting.