The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) reports in its weekly market update report that liftings continue at pace this week across Ireland as weather conditions have improved. This should allow for the final Queen crops to be lifted this week.
The IFA says conditions are still challenging in parts of the country and growers are behind schedule at this stage.
Retail demand remains quite strong, however, there is some uncertainty around the food service sector as ‘wet pubs’ can re-open from Monday.
IFA reports that free-buy trade fall has dropped this week in the UK, and movement of supplies on contract continues to hold the majority in potato markets. Demand is subdued this week surrounding a potential re-imposing of stricter lockdown measures, which has seen some purchasers await further information before placing orders
According to the IFA, the first EU 27 production estimate puts the total crop at 54.8mt’s which is about 3.7mt’s higher than last year. The total planted area at 1.655 million ha’s is about 26,000 ha’s higher than last year. Total plantings this year are about 102,000 ha’s higher than they were five years ago.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box (New Season) | €400 | €450 | €425 |
| Rooster 10 kg (New Season) | €5.00 | €6.00 | €5.50 |
| New Season Queen 10kg bag | €5.00 | €7.00 | €6.00 |
| New Season Kerr Pinks | €6.00 | €7.00 | €6.50 |
Source: IFA
Cover photo: IrishCentral | Getty images
