Potato Council Report March 2022

Market Report 22.02.22

	Low	High	Average
Rooster box	€380	€450	€400
Rooster 10 kg	€4	€5	€4.50
Queens 10 kg bag	€5	€6	€5.50
Kerr Pinks	€5	€6	€5.50

Markets remain quite static in comparison to this time last year when the various lockdown measures were in place. Plantings of early crops have halted as ground conditions have become very wet over the past week. Once again, growers are reminded to grow for their markets and be cognisant of markets as the economy reopens following the pandemic. Reports indicate that peeling price is in the range of €170-€220/tonne.

In the U.K. plantings have also ceased this week following a very wet period. It is reported that best quality M.Piper are becoming harder to find as fry colours start to deteriorate but buyers and particularly exporters to Ireland continue to look for the best.

In Europe physical prices remain firm and buyers are seeking to purchase blocks at a premium for April delivery.

In Cyprus – Very little Winter crop Spunta has been harvested over the last eight weeks and some traders in the U.K. will run out next week. Exports to the U.K may continue but quality will be a deciding factor and the “local” market in Greece may be a safer option.

Activity since last Council 

• A National Potato Committee meeting was held on the 13^th of January. The main agenda items were markets, input costs seed potato and potato promotions. Sean Ryan was elected as the potato chairman. The committee expressed their gratitude to outgoing chair Thomas McKeown. 
• An IFA delegation met with DAFM on Tops Farm Donegal in January to discuss the future of the seed potato sector in Ireland. 
• IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe led a delegation from the National Potato Committee on January 20^th to meet Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to discuss the impact of Brexit on Irish potato farmers and supports required to develop the Irish seed potato industry. IFA put forward a number of proposals for potential supports for the seed potato sector, especially under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve at the meeting A further meeting with DAFM to discuss funding proposals will take place shortly. 

• The final activation of the Potato promotion 2021 took place in December and a new campaign has begun in 2022. Growers are reminder to contribute to the very worthwhile campaign which is 80% funded from the EU. A letter was issued to all growers last week. 
• IFA attended a potato promotion meeting with all industry stakeholders in January to discuss planned activities for the upcoming year. 
• IFA met with DAFM on future desiccation strategies alongside Teagasc in December. A further meeting will take place in the first quarter of 2022. 

• IFA continues to engage with all retailers to discuss the upcoming season and convey growers increased input costs and issues around excessive tare levels. 
• Following a series of engagements with Lidl and Bord Bia, Lidl have accepted Bord Bia SHAS Scheme as meeting their requirements.

EU/COPA developments 

• The E.U. has declined a request for “equivalence” regarding the export of seed from the U.K to Europe. The decision has been challenged and an application for “substantial equivalence” is now being pursued. IFA continues to lobby on this matter. 

Upcoming Activity/Events

• IFA will meet with DAFM in the coming weeks to further discuss proposals for potential supports for the seed potato sector especially under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
• IFA will launch an independent report commissioned by an independent economist on the state of play in the Irish horticultural sector. 
• IFA continue to engage with retailers on spiralling input costs and setting up meetings with retailer buyers at this critical period. 
• IFA will continue lobbying for the potato seed sector to be included in the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).

• IFA will continue to demand that packers and retailers pay sustainable potato farm gate prices. 
• IFA will continue to contact growers to ensure they are aware of the costs of production and engage in stocks surveys.
• There will be further interaction with DAFM regarding potato storage equipment under TAMS and investment in the seed potato sector. 
• The 2022 European Potato Promotion is now underway and performing very well. Growers have received a letter to support this initiative and the potato committee are continuing to encourage growers to support the campaign.