Potato Forward Positions Have Tampered

Thunderstorms in Northern Europe (10 to 30 mm) have calmed the trading potato forward positions, but many places remain extremely dry, raising concerns for the early crop’s development.

“Higher costs have decreased demand on export markets while frying varieties (Agria) continue to flow to Spain. In the UK, recent rainfall of between 7 and 14 mm was welcomed but irrigation is still taking place in some areas,” the recent Irish Farmers’ Association report shows.

According to the same document, in Ireland, the spud markets remain unchanged and remarkably quieter than that experienced for the past two seasons.

“Planting is still underway in Donegal following two weeks of unfavorable conditions. Liftings of Premier and Home Guard continue at small levels in the southeast this week. Growing conditions to date have been favorable with recent rainfall welcomed by growers. The announcement of a EUR3m scheme this week for the seed potato sector is a positive step for the seed industry,” the document reveals.