Consumption and demand remain strong for this time of year, as temperatures have been below average. Stocks are becoming increasingly tight. Some new season crop continues to trickle onto the market; however, quantities are small. It will be another couple of weeks before more early varieties are fit. There is excellent demand for any available stock. There are reports of some splits and cracks caused by the variable weather.
Across parts of Europe, plantings were still ongoing as of last week. Plantings in Belgium were around 75% complete and almost finished in France and Germany. In Holland, progress was out at 85%, but there have been heavy showers and 40 to 60mm of rain in the north since. Crop establishment is being monitored very closely because of the length of time seed was held before planting. Emergence "problems" are starting to show up in crops planted at the beginning of May.
Source: ifa.ie