Across Europe, fresh market prices are firm with some good demand reported in the cooler weather but the export movement is still slow to improve, although there is a steady movement from Spain to France for good washing quality.
According to the latest Irish Farmers Association (IFA) report, the fresh potato markets are slowly regaining momentum after the Christmas period.
“January is typically a slower period and this paired with milder than usual temperatures has slowed consumption rates slightly. There is good news for the processing trade as all restrictions are now lifted on the hospitality sector. There are continued reports of reduced saleable yields as size and quality issues are becoming more apparent,” IFA’s report shows.
Moreover, input costs, especially the prices of fertilizers, are going to make the 2022 season very challenging.
“The price and availability of seed remain to the fore also. No alignment between the EU and the UK has been reached to allow seed potato to be imported from Scotland,” IFA’s analysts concluded.
