Potato Prices & Commentary

IFA Potato Market Report Tuesday 15/08/2018

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

The rainfall in the past week has given potato plants a much needed boost of growth. The trade for Queens has kicked off and growers report that there has been an uplift of sales of with boxes of Queens averaging €810.

Secondary growth in Potato plants is now the biggest issue faced among Potato growers. The sprouting of the potatoes due to the prolonged heat and drought conditions has caused much confusion among growers due to the extremely rare occurrence of this problem.  IFA Potato Chairman Thomas McKeown has urged all farmers to closely inspect their crops whether irrigated or not, and to seek advice from their local Agronomist in their areas.  A few days can make a big difference in dealing with the problem of secondary growth so farmers are advised to act sooner rather than later.

Prices for old season potatoes are stable as supplies are continuously moving and will be needed.  In the UK and across Europe, buyers for processing have been a strong influence in the market this week. Varieties including Marfona with D.M. levels over 19.5% are quoted at £300 ex. With the new crop comes a new set of quality issues. In processing, crops sprouting and regrowth is being seen and in the packing sector, growth cracks and Hollow heart as well as bruising have caused rejection this week.  The April 2019 European future price has continued to increase with the price now at €313/t.

IFA Potato Market Report Tuesday 07/08/2018

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

The recent rainfall has given Potato growers a much needed boost to the growth of the plant as well as a welcome break from the costly exercise of irrigation.

Traditionally the past week has always been a slow week in the Potato trade due to seasonal holidays but consumption and sales should be on the rise again with the new school year beginning shortly. However, second growth is now becoming an issue due to the plant being dormant for a period during the recent drought in both irrigated and non-irrigated crops. The application of suitable sprays to prevent this problem is again adding extra expense to an already difficult year in the sector.

Prices for old season crops continue to rise as supplies are getting scarce. The trade for early Potatoes has not fully kicked off yet according to IFA Potato Chariman Thomas McKeown. At this stage it looks likely that old season crop will be needed in the 7.5/10kg market right through September and into October.  In the UK and across Europe they are still seeing temperatures in the high twenties to early-thirties. Across Europe, crops are maturing earlier and dry matter levels are higher than anytime over the past six years and many growers are expected to be short of their contracted tonnages. The April 2019 European future price has continued to increase with the price now at €298/t.

IFA Potato Market Report Tuesday 31/07/2018

Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA

The recent spell of wet weather has been a welcome for stressed potato growers.  It has had the double effect of increasing market sales while giving others a small break from irrigation.

However, although a welcome, the amounts which have fallen are generally insignificant in the overall picture and will make little difference to some crop at this stage. Prices for old season crops continue to strengthen as supplies are disappearing rapidly.  At this stage it looks likely that old season crop will be needed in the 7.5/10kg market right through September and into October.

In the UK and across Europe they are still seeing temperatures in the mid-thirties. Conditions in Holland are reported as being hotter and drier than in 1976 and it is generally accepted that there will be a major reduction in yields.  Cops are maturing earlier, resulting in high dry matters even at this stage of the year. The April 2019 European future price has continued to increase with the price now at €290t compared to €110t at this time last year.