Many European countries report that planted acreage is down from 2021. Due to the ongoing drought, yields are also being reduced in many regions.

Crops in the United Kingdom are under severe stress as a result of a prolonged heatwave with little rain. Irrigated crops have fared well, but rapid senescence has begun, and many will be burned down within the next ten days.

“High dry matter levels will make crops prone to bruising, and there have been rejections on maincrop varieties and salad Maris Peer this week,” according to the latest IFA potato report.

Due to high temperatures and the peak holiday season, retail sales and home consumption have once again plateaued. Trade in the food service sector is still brisk. The second heatwave in less than a month is expected to have an impact on maincrop yields as drought conditions set in – late-planted crops will be particularly hard hit. Numerous reports indicate that crops have ‘shut down’ once more as temperatures exceed 25 degrees, unirrigated crops are stressed, and growth rates are negligible. Irrigation is underway where available.