Comment: The wet conditions continue to interrupt harvesting of potatoes in all parts of the country. This has helped the market as there is no major influx of potatoes coming on stream. Farmgate prices have steadied, but growers supplying the wholesale sector and competing in a shrinking market need to be patient or look to the peeling sector to move product. As expected, the final revised area figures from the Department of Agriculture show no increase in potato plantings from 2016 and this should give growers confidence when it comes to negotiating sales. Across the UK and Europe, there is a similar story regarding harvesting progress, with many areas well behind. The heavy rain in recent weeks in parts of northern Europe will lead to harvest losses as many fields have been flooded.