Retail markets in Ireland remain static as school holidays are in full swing; demand for the processing sector is buoyant, according to this week’s market report by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
IFA says more queens are coming onto the market this week as liftings are approx. 10 days ahead of last year. Yields are reported to be above average and eating quality is very good. Roadside sales are very slow to take off this year. The majority of home guard and premiere are now cleared.
According to provisional IFA early planting figures, the area of earlies planted is slightly less than 2021 area. The area of premiere and home guard is similar to last year and a slight reduction of the area of queens.
In the U.K. demand for old maincrop is almost solely for whites and some good movement is again reported for quality samples. Trade for old crop m. piper is slowing down quickly but in the East renewed interest was noted from buyers who are not convinced that the new crop is yet suitable.
Across Europe, processing activity continues to be very strong, but buyers are now much more relaxed.
