Stocks of Queen potatoes are running very low with many buyers actively ringing farmers trying to source remaining supplies. With these earlies cleared from the market, it augurs well for the main season crop.
Digging of new season Roosters commenced last week with product available in wholesale markets and available in supermarket shelves this week. Growers are reporting good demand for the crop. We should also see new season Kerr Pinks on the market shortly.
New season did not start until September last year due to the weather conditions so this will give an extended marketing season for this year’s potatoes. Some Rooster crops have been burned off since mid-July therefore initial yields of early crops will be reduced. There is also a general consensus in the market, that yields may only be average on account of low tuber numbers.
Potato future prices came under some pressure in Europe earlier in the week due to heavy rain however, some areas such as northern Germany and Poland remain very dry and prices have since stabilised. The yield potential in these areas will be affected by the heat wave two weeks ago and early senescence is already visible in these crops. A recent AMI report indicates that production in Poland could be reduced by 1 million tonnes compared to 2018 due to the hot spell.
Ex-Farm Potato Prices reported to IFA
| Low | High | Average | |
| Rooster box | €500 | €520 | €510 |
| Rooster10 kg bag | €5.50 | €6.00 | €5.75 |
| Queens 10kg bag | €5.00 | €6.00 | €5.50 |
