Reports indicate that conacre prices for potato crops in 2019 are running significantly higher than 2018 levels.

The first prices agreed for conacre land tendered in November and December in the northwest and north Antrim are anywhere from £600/acre to £1,000/acre depending on the quality of land and competition among growers.

Elsewhere, reports for conacre lettings in Co Down generally start from £500/acre.

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Conacre prices for potato crops in 2018 were more typically £350/acre to £450/acre, depending on location and demand for land.

A key factor behind the rise in conacre prices is understood to be the increased acreage of winter arable crops planted during the autumn period. This has limited the availability of suitable land for cultivating potatoes in 2019.

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