Consumption and sales, particularly for packing-quality material, continue to improve. Overall consumption has remained steady in recent weeks, which has helped to support trade. Growers are currently lifting the main season crop. It is reported that tare levels on early planted material are higher than expected, with cracking issues prominent.

Reports on yields continue to be mixed. Unirrigated crops, especially in the northeast of the country, are reported to be back on last year.

Across Europe, lifting progress on processing varieties is around 40 to 50 percent, but irrigation before lifting is still taking place in the driest areas and some growers have had to stop again. Market conditions remain unchanged, with significant volumes being diverted into anaerobic digestion and stockfeed. Some contracts are delayed and rejection rates appear to be on the increase. There is no interest in free-buy from buyers.

Lifting progress for consumption potatoes is more advanced, with suggestions of around 70 percent in France. Markets are relying almost totally on contracts.