A recent report from the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) suggests that potato markets across Europe are starting to respond to the higher costs faced by growers, who are increasing resistant to accepting low offers.
“Export demand is strong, but shipping is proving ‘a nightmare.’ Some exports to the Canaries have taken over four weeks to arrive,” IFA market analysts commented. In the UK, most potato crops are 85 per cent harvested, but there are signs that growers in the Fens are behind, with some reporting just 70 per cent crop clearance. Some of the delays are due to a lack of movement for crops sold straight off the field.
‘Good ground conditions have allowed growers to achieve good lifting progress to date, some growers have finished,’ continued the IFA. ‘There are continued reports of below average yields.
‘Across Europe fresh market prices are holding and there has been more interest in export from buyers in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe this week. There is optimism for the season ahead as worldwide levels of consumption are higher than they were pre pandemic in many countries. Lifting has progressed well during the week but is still delayed in South West Holland and Belgium where there was still 40% to clear at the end of last week.’