Up to 25% fall in potato yields

IFA National Potato chair Sean Ryan has called on all actors in the food chain – consumers, packers and retailers - to support local growers.

He said the sector continues to face several challenges, including the availability of seed, higher input costs and land availability.

Plantings were extremely late this year, coming out of 2023, which was one of the most difficult harvests in recent memory.

“Many growers are reporting that yields will be significantly reduced this year, especially on late planted crops. A reduction of 25% is reported by some growers. Several factors are at play, including issues with seed potato and, of course, the extremely late planting year,” he said.

“It will be another few weeks before we see the full picture, but numbers are definitely back on later planted crops.

“The planted acreage is slightly up this year, so supply and demand should balance out. A continued sustainable price for potatoes will be required so growers can guarantee a year-round supply of quality produce.”

Despite the challenges, Mr Ryan said growers continue to put quality, nutritious produce on consumers’ plates all over the country.

Home consumption and retail sales are buoyant this season as consumers realise potatoes are excellent value for money, he said.

The Irish potato industry is worth over €105m at the farm gate, with over 8,000 hectares planted annually.

It comes as Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly also warned of a "growing disparity" between farm-gate and retail prices in the European food supply chain. 

Speaking at the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee, Ms Mullooly said there was a "pressing need" for fair trading practices and increased transparency in pricing.

A report requested by the commission noted that while farmers may receive as little as 40c/kg for their potatoes, supermarkets can charge up to €2.40/kg.

Commenting, Ms Mullooly said: "This is clear evidence of the unfair trading practices operating within the supply chain."