The Bulk of European Potato-producing Countries Enjoy Optimum Growth Conditions

Consistent rainfall has created optimum growing conditions in Northern France, Belgium, Northern Germany, and The Netherlands. In contrast, 30 to 40mm of irrigation is utilized in central France to allow crops to be lifted.

Early maincrop white potatoes in Scotland have cleared so well that demand is already “ahead of the crop.” Quality difficulties with Maris Piper potato varieties, such as wet rots and pink rot, have resurfaced in the U.K. when growers open up fields and elevate headlands. Skin set is highly slow, which may limit the availability of samples intended for export.

Retail potato demand and home consumption in Ireland have climbed in the recent week as schools and homes return to routines following the summer break. Any old-season Rooster potato-type crop that remains is in high demand and exceedingly limited.

“This in turn has created an excellent market for new season crop which is slowly becoming more available. Yields to date are reported to be highly variable. The massively increased growing costs are being recognized by most stakeholders in the supply chain, but not all,” the latest IFA potato report summed up.