Potato consumption remains high due to the weather experienced over the past few weeks. Stock levels are rapidly depleting as we move forward in the season, this is also the case in the U.K.
Rainfall levels have put a stop to early liftings in some parts of the country. It was reported among growers this week that harvesting has stopped due to wetter weather in the mid-east. Cold wet weather over the last few weeks has slowed the development of the crop and led to wet ground conditions for harvesting. Lifting of the early crop continues in the Southeast this week and is expected to continue for another two weeks. Growers are reporting prices of €30 for 10kg bags of Queens. With recent cold weather and harvest conditions deteriorated for this time of year, heavy volumes will be pushed out until late July. In Scotland crops are showing signs of wind damage and more heavy rain is expected.
Thunderstorms have been experienced across much of Europe over the past week, with up to 90mm falling in places. Surprisingly in France and Germany irrigation is still taking place in the main growing areas.
In terms of exports movement to Eastern Europe is slowing but small quantities will be moving over the next two weeks.
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 |
