The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) says in its weekly potato market report that home consumption and retail sales have taken a hit over the past week in Ireland due to soaring temperatures. Queens continue to be lifted in the north east and volumes are now available in retailers. Again, sales took a hit last week but cooler temperatures forecast should improve this.
Crops are very dry due to the high temperatures and lack of moisture, hence the forecast rain for the weekend will be very welcome.
According to the IFA, many countries in Europe are reporting a reduction in the planted acreage for 2022. Lack of rainfall is becoming an increasing problem in mainland Europe.
In the U.K, maincrop varieties are now starting to show the effect of the very high temperatures this week and soil moisture deficit levels are increasing by the day. High evaporation levels have reduced the amount of water available to the crop and programs are rapidly falling behind. Partial irrigation bans are reported in the Fens.
Crops without irrigation are suffering badly and a high proportion of these are grown for the processing sector.
Source: Irish Farmers Association (IFA). Original report here
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