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Dry conditions in the West Midlands and torrential rains in parts of Scotland have affected progress. In Scotland, waterlogging has led to problems including soft rot affecting some crops in the field.

Nevertheless, 39 per cent of the UK crop has been lifted so far. NEPG (North-Western European Potato Growers) have predicted the consumption potato harvest in the five main EU states will reach a record of over 25.5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.6 million tonnes on last year, due to higher expected average yields (estimated at 47.3 tonnes per hectare) and an increased growing area.

Due to wet weather affecting much of Europe, around 80 per cent of the crop is still in the ground, despite this year’s early growing season.