UK Potato Growers’ Decision Regarding Tuber Storing

In the United Kingdom (UK) it was another difficult week for free buying of all tuber varieties, and there are reports that growers are already considering clearing stores for stockfeed rather than face ongoing costs for storage.

According to the last Irish Farmers Association (IFA) report, the cold weather has affected the Eastern Mediterranean this year and the potato crops are delayed by around two weeks in Israel and Cyprus and possibly a delay of four weeks in Sicily.

Markets remain largely unchanged at present and are reported to be subdued, especially in comparison to trading experienced during the pandemic. Energy costs remain to the fore for potato growers with stocks in storage.

“This, coupled with production costs for the 2022 season, is causing many growers to reconsider their plantings. Many growers may be forced to cut back on planted acreage as a result. These spiraling costs must be recognized and paid for by potato packers and retailers,” the report concluded.