Domestic consumption and retail sales remain unchanged. The trend in processing is good, with prices above €250/t. Potatoes are exported to Portugal and there is reported to be a good appetite for more Irish potatoes. Preliminary inventory levels from the IFA inventory survey indicated that inventory levels were lower than a year earlier and in line with 2021 inventory levels.
Growers continue to contemplate their options for planting as the numbers are simply not stacking up for growers storing potatoes with current energy prices. Potato farmers need the market to return a fair price that makes their farms viable.
Across Europe, In the short to medium term, processing production looks to remain at full capacity. World Potato Markets reports that demand for product continues to increase in Asia, while production in New Zealand has been severely restricted by the recent storms. Drought is causing potato growers to be very wary of over commitment on their contracts with the threat of enforced supply if irrigation restrictions - being very likely - come into force.
Source: ifa.ie