Comment: Despite the warmer weather over the past week, potato consumption has remained at high levels, with the Easter market adding to this also. The wholesale and peeling markets are once again under a little pressure as store materials come to an end.

On a positive note, rumours of potato imports over the last week are unfounded. Planting progress has progressed very well over the past week, expedited by the fine weather.

This is in stark contrast to last year where planting did not begin until May in most parts of the country.

Across the UK and Europe there are reports of prices for table potatoes increasing slightly as stocks of old crop have declined.

In the UK, crops are progressing well as planting is ahead of the long-term average and the recent warm weather has kept progress on track.

Farmers with material in store need to be aware of this as it could affect the peeling market in June/July period if there is an early harvest.

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Watch: working through the night on the Antrim coast