The EU Spud Market Stability is Kept by Exporters But The UK Crops Have Quality Problems
Lower tuber size and extremely high dry matter indicate that crops are not coping well with the dry circumstances. Government estimates in France place the crop’s overall loss at 10%, but industry figures are closer to 20%.
“Across Europe, stability in the market is being maintained by exporters looking to supply Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe with fresh consumption and frying varieties. Quality is reported to be good but further estimates this week of total crop production include the latest from Belgium, which shows current yield curves between 15 and 25% below the long-term average,” according to the latest IFA potato report.
The potato vendors in the UK indicate that both the new crop and the remaining old crop have been moving well this week. All types of unirrigated crops are exhibiting a variety of quality problems, including bruising but also “internals,” poor skin quality, and early dormancy break.
“Yields of maincrop crispers are initially being estimated approximately “possibly 20%” down compared to last year but the increase in dry matter levels this year could go a long way to compensate for the shortfall,” the report reveals also.
Ireland’s demand and consumption are both returning to their pre-pandemic levels, with the present cost-of-living problem also having an impact on consumption. Queen demand is quite high right now. Farmers are still preparing for harvest, and some in the southeast are now lifting crops. The recent rain has improved the circumstances for harvesting. Growers continue to report that yields are significantly lower than they were last year.
“As harvest commences growers are very concerned about energy costs for storing crops this season. Growers must be compensated for storing potatoes immediately,” the report concludes.
