Over the past week rainfall was the predominate feature in Europe although it is still quite dry in South East Europe. Soil water tables and moisture levels were replenished for most parts of the country after the heavy rainfall experienced over the past week, however wet and heavy soil conditions in parts of the country impeded fieldwork.
The price of the old crop remains firm for good quality. In the U.K price increases of “£20 p.t” on some lines of old crop washed whites were reported.
Reports from growers indicate that the majority of Premiere and Home Guard early crops are lifted in the south east. Lifting of Queens continues this week, however parts of the country have ground to a halt due to poor soil conditions. Overall the 2019 crop is coming along well with no major issues reported. The recent wet conditions have caused difficult spraying routines for some growers. The week ahead should allow this to continue as normal.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box | €500 | €520 | €510 |
| Rooster10 kg bag | €5.50 | €6.00 | €5.75 |
| Whites Box | €500 | €550 | €525 |
| Kerr Pink 10kg bag | €6.00 | €6.50 | €6.25 |
| Golden Wonder box | €680 | €720 | €700 |
Initial estimates of total potato acreage planted in the UK by AHDB in the UK indicate that the 2019 crop year is one of the lowest on record at 118kha. Normally a higher priced year incentivises increased planting. The 2019 figures in the UK do not follow this trend mainly attributed to a tighter seed market. In France, industry sources without starch and seed put the planted area at 2.1% higher than last year. Provisional figures from DAFM indicate that the area of planted potatoes is up about 3% on last year. More detailed information on planting figures will be available in the coming weeks.
Across Europe exports have slowed dramatically due to the lack of continuity of supply available.
Also read
IFA SETS OUT BUDGETARY PRIORITIES AT NATIONAL ECONOMIC DIALOGUE
Comments 1