Comment: Dry weather for the past week has improved lifting conditions for growers and progress is mainly back on track now. Several reports from growers indicate that maincrop yields are average or just below average this year. This is mainly attributed to either growth cracks and greening because crops were too close to drills. The food service sector remains under significant pressure as the prospect of further restrictions around the country looms.

In the UK, an increased volume of potatoes is being lifted nationwide, with the weather remaining helpful in most regions. However, there are some reports of quality issues in stores. There have been increased rejections this week due to bruising, but also for wireworm, which appears to come into some crops very late in the season.

The ongoing dry weather in France, Belgium and Holland is starting to restrict lifting, as growers are faced with increased levels of bruising and damage.

Yield estimates have been described as “average”. However, late-season growth has been curtailed by the lack of rainfall and more estimates are now saying “slightly lower than average”.