Potato growers continue to come under significant mental and physical strain as the drought conditions hinder potato crop development.

Soil moisture deficits are at their worst in key potato growing areas. Eastern counties have recorded deficits as high as 100mm, while further south they range from 60-70mm.

Around 20% of the country’s potato crops are currently being irrigated, with access to water and equipment reported issues.

Adequate moisture levels over the next two months will be crucial for tuber bulking but indications suggest yields will be back significantly on last year.

At present, irrigated crops look set to be hit by a 20% yield reduction while non-irrigated crop could suffer a 50-60% drop.

A small number of early Queen potatoes have already been harvested, with yields in the region of 2-3t/ac – down from an average of 5-6t/ac. Tubers are reported to be small.

Potato supply

A recent stock survey showed current levels of old crop in cold stores will last until September, but this unlikely to be sufficient to meet the demand of both packing and peeling markets.

Prices

Growers and industry sources suggest that new crop early Queens are trading for €1,500-€1,600/t as supply is extremely limited.

However, old crop potatoes are currently trading from €250-€300/t for packing, whereas peeling prices have increased from €20/t to €100/t.

As supplies tighten over the next number of weeks, an increase in peeling prices is anticipated, suggests Pat Farrell, IFA potato and fresh produce development officer.

At retail level, new season Queens are selling for around €2.99 per 1kg bag of new season Premier potatoes.

Old season Roosters are retailing for between €2 and €2.50 per 2kg bag.

Repeat of 2012

Reduced yields and higher production costs mean growers will need to command a higher price in order to compensate for this challenging year. All accounts suggest this will come to pass over the next number of months.

However, there are concerns that prices could potentially reach 2012 levels which contributed to reduced overall potato consumption levels over the following years.

There have also been calls for a lowering of specifications in response to the difficult growing season.

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