IFA: Physical Potato Prices are Quoted ‘Higher Again’
Potato buyers across Europe have expressed alarm over the planting delay. There has been no progress in the last two weeks, and circumstances have deteriorated in certain regions as a result of severe showers. Last week’s estimates put the area planted in Belgium at roughly 50%. In Northern France and The Netherlands, there was still 10 to 15% to complete.
“Physical prices are quoted higher again as growers ration supplies but also because buyers from Belgium are keen to cover end-of-season supplies from wherever there are free buy stocks available,” the IFA potato experts added in their weekly report.
Potato retail demand and consumption in Ireland remain strong, boosted by changeable weather. This year’s weather has resulted in one of the latest planting seasons on record.
“Some growers are still finishing plantings in the east and southeast. The majority of planting should be complete in the next week. Small quantities of early planted varieties will be coming onto the market shortly,” the IFA representatives concluded.
