Industry commentators have warned that this year’s record low potato harvest could result in shortages later this summer.
Tom Pocklington, crop production director at AKP Group, told the Express, “There are literally hundreds of things that can go wrong. And the one thing you haven’t thought of will happen.” The company warned of ‘a reduction in yield due to the challenging harvest conditions, compounded by increased energy and fertilizer costs.’ This has also led to retail price increases of up to 20 per cent for certain potato varieties in supermarkets.
“We’ll come very close (to running out by the summer) and some varieties will definitely run out,” added colleague Dave Burks. “Put it this way: if you like your Maris Pipers, I suggest you put them in a muddy bag and stick it in a dark garage.”
Since 1995 the number of potato growers in the UK has decreased from 30,000 to just 1,200, but the difficult market has also been reflected across Europe. According to the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) potato exporters, peelers, and fresh market buyers are competing with one another for supplies, with exorbitant prices being quoted. In turn, this is reducing trade from Mediterranean and Eastern countries, while strong consumer demand and delayed planting in the UK is helping to keep prices firm.