Lifting of maincrop potatoes in mainland Europe is progressing well, with clearance reaching 70% in Northern France and yields predicted to be good.

“In the UK and Scotland, harvesting is also reported to be extremely challenging. Clearance of ware in Scotland is around 60% and the concern now is to get crops lifted before cold weather arrives,” the latest IFA potato report reveals.

Retail sales and home consumption in Ireland remain high and appear to have finally steadied following the turbulent period since the outbreak. A brief period of calmer weather allowed for some harvesting earlier this week, but the severely wet circumstances that followed halted any harvesting for the foreseeable future.

“Areas in Cork in particular experienced seriously heavy downpours. As we approach November, harvesting conditions will be much more challenging, and subsequent losses will be increased,” the IFA representatives concluded.