Growers in Ireland are nearing the completion of their potato planting season, with the anticipation of improved weather conditions during the June Bank Holiday. The past 12 months have presented significant challenges for potato cultivation, including delays in planting and harvesting, alongside diminished yields, leading to a potential shortage and price increases for Irish potatoes. The adverse weather conditions, particularly continuous rainfall, have hindered the timely planting of early potato varieties, which are typically sown in early spring and harvested by June or July. Consequently, the planting of these early varieties coincided with the schedule for main crop potatoes.
Sean Ryan, the Irish Farmers' Association potato chairman, noted that while farms in the midlands and parts of Leinster, such as Meath, are concluding their planting, southern counties like Wexford and Cork are approximately 70% complete. Ryan expressed optimism that the forthcoming weather forecast would allow most growers to finish planting by the end of the following week. However, the delayed planting schedule is expected to impact yields adversely.
Last year, the sector experienced the loss of around 700 acres due to flooding and frost, further exacerbating the availability of Irish potatoes. The delay in planting this season means a delay in the availability of new season potatoes, with a limited supply anticipated to start in mid-June, approximately six to eight weeks later than usual. Colin Buttimer, a third-generation potato grower at Rockvale Farm in north county Cork, reflects the challenges faced by growers in prime potato-growing areas.
Source: irishexaminer.com