Demand is increasing in some markets according to this week’s Potato Market Report from the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

The peeling market has increased slightly as more restaurants have reopened in the last while.

Preliminary results were available from the IFA’s early planting survey this week and the results suggest that early plantings increased by approximately 3% on last season.

The area planted to Queens increased, while the area of Premiers remained the same and the area of Home Guards declined.

Early Roosters are expected to be harvested in mid-August.

Average ex-farm potato prices as reported to the IFA:
  • Roosters box – €350;
  • Roosters 10kg bag – €3.50;
  • New season Queens 10kg bag – €8.

The UK

New-crop is in demand in the UK and according to the IFA’s report most of the overall movement in the potato trade has been new-crop contracted supply.

New-crop potatoes have also accounted for a large amount of the movement in packing markets this week. It was also reported that purchasers have been moving towards new-crop.

Europe

In Europe, demand has now started to pick up, according to the report, as lockdowns are lifted in different countries. However, the demand for export is not as strong as movement is still restricted in countries.