The latest data shows that, in Europe, physical spud prices stand firm and buyers are seeking to purchase cultivar units at a premium price for April delivery.
In Cyprus, according to an Irish Farmers Association (IFA) document, very little of the winter crop Spunta has been harvested over the last eight weeks and some traders in the UK will run out next week.
“Exports to the UK may continue but the quality will be a deciding factor and the ‘local’ market in Greece may be a safer option,” the report says.
In Ireland, markets remain quite static in comparison to this time last year when the various lockdown measures were in place. Plantings of early crops have halted as ground conditions have become very wet over the past week.
“Once again, growers are reminded to grow for their markets and be aware of markets as the economy reopens following the pandemic. Reports indicate that peeling price is in the range of EUR170-EUR220/ton,” the IFA document illustrates.
In the UK, plantings have also ceased this week following a very wet period. It is reported that the best quality Maris Piper potatoes are becoming harder to find as fry colors start to deteriorate but buyers and particularly exporters to Ireland continue to look for the best.
