Potato growers urged to reduce plantings
Good yields and excellent harvesting conditions last autumn led to an over-supply of potatoes with a consequent big drop in price.
IFA Potato Committee Chairman John Sheridan said potato plantings in the coming season must be reduced.
Indications so far are that little or no reduction has taken place in first early planting. In addition, second early and main crop estimates are showing signs of an increase over last season.
“If these indications follow through, growers can expect another very difficult year as surplus supplies will force prices to uneconomic levels.”
Ireland experienced bumper yields, which has led to a very sluggish market situation and depressed prices since December.
Mr Sheridan said growers must carefully plan their plantings in terms of area and variety mix for the season ahead.
Teagasc potato specialist Tom Maher has also advised potato growers to reduce the area planted in 2004 in order to avoid a repeat of the current difficult markets.
He told last month’s national potato conference in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, that profitability of potatoes has fallen dramatically and many of the country’s 800 growers have made a loss of up to €1,250/hectare (€500/acre).
He said the acreage needs to be reduced by 15% in 2004 if growers are to return to the profit levels which existed in 2001 and 2002.
