The 2022-2023 potato planted area in northwest Europe could be the lowest for some time and this is a contributing factor to the confidence levels going forward.

According to the latest Irish Farmers Association (IFA) report, the haulage industry in Spain is in chaos and there have been reports of food shortages. Processing futures prices for April/ June 2022 and April 2023 are holding with a tendency to edge higher.

In the UK, conditions are similar to at home where night temperatures have been quite low and slowed growth.

Ireland Potato Consumption Improved Slightly

Plantings continue around the country with good conditions reported in most regions. Some growers have finished or are nearing completion in the South East region following a dry spell of weather. Consumption has improved slightly in the past week following a colder period. Again, growers storing potatoes are incurring huge increased costs due to soaring energy bills. These costs must be recognized at the packer and retail levels.