Irlanda: Resilient Irish potato market navigates harsh weather, shortfall reported in European potato supplies

This news comes as a beacon of hope for industry professionals amidst challenging harvesting conditions and supply uncertainties.

As the cold and wet weather conditions persist, there has been a notable increase in potato consumption, contributing to a buoyant trade environment. This trend is particularly relevant as the industry navigates through the complexities of reduced saleable yields. The adverse harvesting conditions have led to a significant grading out of potatoes from storage, impacting the overall market supply.

In the United Kingdom, the situation presents a mixed picture. While there has been successful lifting in the South West, the East has faced challenges with soils often remaining frozen during the day. This has led to an estimated 10% of the storage crop, predominantly the Markies variety, still being in the ground in the Fens region.

The report also sheds light on the broader European context, where the situation appears more dire. It is estimated that the vast majority of the potato crop still in the ground across Northern Europe is likely to be lost, amounting to a staggering loss of between 700,000 and 800,000 tonnes. This significant shortfall in the European potato supply has sparked a widespread interest in imports, particularly of white and red potatoes. Buyers are actively seeking to cover supply gaps for the upcoming months of April and May.

This development has significant implications for the potato industry, both in Ireland and across Europe. The increased demand for imports presents both challenges and opportunities for traders and suppliers. As the industry grapples with these dynamic market conditions, the resilience and adaptability of potato professionals will be key to navigating the months ahead.

Potato News Today will continue to monitor these developments closely, providing timely updates and insights to our readers. As the situation evolves, we remain committed to keeping industry professionals informed and engaged through our platform and social media channels.

Source: Irish Farmers Association (IFA). Original report here

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