Potatoes: 23/01/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: Demand remains satisfactory across all market sectors. There is some pressure from growers to move product. However, most are moving produce on some level. During this marketing season, producers will need to segregate their product and move it to the appropriate market outlet. In general, farmgate prices are stable and need to remain so as storage costs begin to mount from now on. Early potato growers, who are now making planting decisions, will need to be cognisant of the potential market situation in the summer. Although stocks are high throughout Europe, movement is reported to have improved this week. Due to the lower prices compared with last year, European exports are now more attractive and we should see increased selling in this area as the season progresses.