The prolonged spell of warm weather in Ireland this week has dampened home consumption of potatoes, according to the Irish Farmers Association’s latest Potato Market Report, issued on June 24.
However, IFA noted that the food service sector should see a welcome boost as school holidays get underway next week.
Queens are slowly coming onto the market, with demand reported as strong to date. Main season crops are said to be progressing well, although IFA cautioned that the harvest is not expected to be early. Crops were late planted due to weather conditions in the spring.
European markets move away from Mediterranean imports
In the wider European market, IFA reported that domestic markets are moving on from imported Mediterranean potatoes more quickly than usual. The shift follows weather-related quality issues affecting imported supplies.
In Flanders, the potato area is reported to be down 23% to 47,561 hectares, with the early area reduced by 50%. According to IFA, this brings the total reduction in Belgium to 16%, marking the lowest area for five years.
In the UK, some rainfall last week was described as very welcome, but short-lived, following this week’s heatwave.
Source: Irish Farmers Association Potato Market Report, June 24, 2026.
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