Depending on the potato planting date, several early test digs in Europe exhibit significant diversity. With later planted, maturing crops, there have been some incredibly dismal results.

The weather has once again prevented spud lifting in the UK, but things are now starting to look up. Market traders claim that movement is “surprisingly good” and that purchasers appear to have gotten used to the higher prices that have been quoted over the past nine months. Some customers prefer the older crop of potatoes that are still being offered because they are unsure about the stability of the current crop, which has been unusually slow to develop skin this year.

Retail demand and home spending are still strong in Ireland. Where some growers were able to sow early, small amounts of the new season Rooster potato variety are currently being lifted. However, growers are indicating that yields on these crops are relatively low. Before the release of new Rooster potato crops, which will coincide with this year’s plantings, there will probably be a 3–4 week hiatus.

“Stocks of old season Rooster are now extremely tight, with high prices accordingly for any remaining stocks. Likewise, prices and demand for the peeling stock are strong. Stocks of Queens are beginning to tighten as demand remains buoyant,” the latest IFA report reveals.

This season, the pressure caused by the potato blight is adding to growers’ difficulties and increasing their costs.