The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) reports in its weekly Potato market report that home consumption and retail sales took a hit last week in Ireland due to a sharp rise in temperatures. Queens continue to be raised in the Northeast and volumes are now available in retail chains. Again, sales took a hit last week, but the forecast of cooler temperatures should improve that.
Crops are very dry due to high temperatures and lack of moisture, so the forecasted rain for the weekend will be very welcome.
According to the IFA, many countries in Europe report a reduction in sown areas in 2022. Lack of rainfall is an increasing problem in mainland Europe.
In the UK, major crop varieties are now starting to show the effects of this week’s very hot temperatures, with soil moisture deficit levels increasing by the day. High levels of evaporation have reduced the amount of water available for crops, and programs are quickly falling behind. Partial watering bans are reported in the Fens.
Non-irrigated crops suffer greatly and a large proportion is grown for the processing sector.
A source: https://industry-update.com
