Potatoes: 26/06/2018

Ex-farm potato prices reported to the IFA

Comment: Potato sales were more positive last week. However, they have been hit again due to the high temperatures this week. On the other hand, due to the limited supply, growers harvesting first earlies cannot keep pace with demand. The more general availability of earlies has been pushed back further, as crops stall in the high temperatures. All main crop is now struggling in this heat, but crops without irrigation are very stressed, with a potential major reduction in yield now on the cards. In the UK, most areas now have moisture deficits, with an amber warning for drought conditions having been recently issued. However, it’s quite varied across Europe. Most areas are suffering from low soil moistures, with Poland in particular suffering badly. These conditions have been reflected in the potato futures price, as it took a major jump higher this week.