Ten months of continuous wet weather in Northern Ireland have severely impacted the ability of farmers to harvest autumn crops and sow new ones in the spring. This situation has led to a delayed planting season, despite the recent onset of favorable weather conditions. The consequence of these delays is a predicted shortage of potatoes, which is expected to affect the cost of chips in the region.
At the Balmoral Show, discussions with farmers highlighted the adverse effects of prolonged rainfall on agriculture, aligning with climate scientists' predictions for the island of Ireland. Potato farmer Robert Sibbett expressed his struggles, noting, "It has been very bad. We only started planting last week and normally we would be finished. They are coming through now the heat is here and it's growing, but it's late." Sibbett also mentioned the inconsistency of the past seasons, fluctuating between too dry and too wet conditions, complicating farming activities.
The inability to harvest potatoes last autumn is anticipated to reduce their availability, potentially leading to price increases for chips, especially from June. This price surge is expected to be more pronounced in chip shops, which purchase potatoes on the open market, unlike supermarkets that secure supplies through contracts at predetermined prices.
Source: Belfast Live