All European predictions indicate that potato yields will decline this year, which will change the supply chain.

The spud crop in Poland is anticipated to be about 6.1m tonnes, which is a million tonnes or 15% less than the previous year. All over Europe, various export opportunities are being investigated. Processing varieties have attracted some interest in Irish markets.

“In the U.K. lifting has progressed well again this week and, in the Midlands, and the South is down to the last 10% in the traditional maincrop areas where growers are now concentrating on loading into storages. In Scotland clearance is now up to 80%,” a recent IFA report shows.

In Ireland, tater harvesting continues this week. According to reports, the situation has significantly worsened, and the forecast for the coming week calls for more rain, which will probably prevent liftings in many areas.

“Harvest this year is already approximately 10 days behind last year. With reduced yields and harvesting conditions disimproving rapidly the outlook of the season is changing. Retail demand and home consumption have improved and the processing sector should see a small boost as we approach the school mid-term season. Peeling material is being quoted in the region of EUR230 – EUR270 this week,” the report concludes.