The Potato Council has released the latest figures showing the progress of the UK potato crop. The figures show weather has disrupted lifting in several regions. In the parts of Scotland and the North West heavy rain restricted lifting, while in other regions progress was occasionally disrupted by showers.

Nevertheless, the results show potato health is generally good and the crop is early due to a good spring for potatoes, although the Council said some instances of blackleg and common scab have been reported. First early potatoes arrived in the shops 10 days earlier than usual this year.

In the South low tuber counts were reported and more crops had been burnt-off to increase 'mediums' availability later in the season. In the West growing conditions remained good with crop development still two to three weeks ahead of last year. The numbers of crops being burnt off are increasing in readiness for storage. In the East yields were reported as above average with many crops having bold tubers. More crops were being burnt off prior to storage or for set-skin sales.

Welsh farmers have reportedly faced their lowest returns in years after a bumper early crop from Eastern England meant the seasons coincided. One Pembrokeshire potato buyer said it was a “low price season,” with reduced demand from consumers exacerbating the situation.

In Scotland wet conditions restricted lifting in most areas during last week. Some crops had been defoliated to prevent oversize samples. Transport costs are adding to producers’ woes this season; transport of Welsh potatoes to wholesalers in Yorkshire will cost £40/ tonne this year. Trevor Pullen of Yorkshire wholesaler E Park and Son commented, “although we can absorb that in a high price year it’s been very difficult this year.”

The Weekly Average Price has remained steady over the last four weeks, although it dipped by 2.5 per cent last week. Estimated figures from the Potato Council Grower Panel Lifting Survey are expected to be published from next week once a sufficient main-crop sample is established.