Comment: The announcement of six weeks of strict lockdown measures wreaks havoc on the food service sector once again. Harvesting of main crop continues around the country. It is estimated that harvest progress is around 50%. Some growers are well through, but others still have a lot to do. Some regions of Donegal are finding it very difficult, as soil moisture levels are high, with more rain forecast. Initial yield dig figures estimate that yields are back 15% in parts of the country. As weather turned drier across the UK, lifting in many areas resumed this week in a race to beat any early frost. Markets remain largely depressed and more potatoes are being lifted straight into storage. The AHDB has announced that the area planted in 2020 (at 117,470ha) is 2.3% lower than the 118.950ha last year. The reduction in area is most notable in the midlands and northwest.

In Europe, rain has again restricted lifting this week, but progress is improving on lighter soils and the forecast is now for a more settled period. Physical markets remain broadly unchanged, with excess to contract being used for livestock and energy production.