Potato growers need to be 'strong sellers, not simply price takers'
Potato growers across Northern Ireland need to “recognise the value of their produce”, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).
The union is urging growers to take a "strong, informed approach to selling", warning that farmers "must not allow market uncertainty to undermine the returns they receive".
With significant investment required to produce a quality potato crop, the UFU said growers should "carefully consider market conditions", understand the value of their produce and avoid accepting prices that "fail to reflect the costs and risks associated with production".
According to the union, reports of drought and extreme heat affecting potato production across major European growing regions highlighted wider pressures on supply and the importance of growers remaining informed about market developments.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said: “Our potato growers produce a high-quality product, backed by generations of expertise, considerable investment, and hard work.
“They should have confidence in the value of what they are bringing to the market and should not feel pressured into accepting prices that fail to deliver a fair return.
“Growing potatoes is a significant financial undertaking.”
Costs
Lynch said farmers carry substantial costs long before a single potato is sold, such as seed, fertiliser, energy, machinery, labour, and storage.
He added: “Growers need to be strong sellers, not simply price takers.
“That means keeping informed about market conditions, exploring the options available to them, and making commercial decisions that protect the long-term viability of their businesses and the Northern Ireland potato industry.”
The UFU stressed that while potato markets can fluctuate, growers should not underestimate the importance of their produce within the wider food supply chain.
Lynch said: “We recognise that there are commercial pressures throughout the supply chain, but those pressures cannot continually be passed back to the primary producer.
“Farmers are the foundation of our food supply chain, yet too often they are the ones expected to absorb the greatest financial risk.
“A strong potato sector depends on growers receiving sustainable returns, not simply moving produce at any price.”
Lynch encouraged growers to know their costs, know their market and recognise the value of what the produce.
He added: “Farmers cannot build sustainable businesses if they are consistently expected to sell below the true value of their crop.”
