THERE IS unlikely to be a repeat of the bumper potato harvest last year which saw exports to Russia for the first time.
Reports from the southeast and midlands where most potatoes are grown said this year’s crop has been badly hit by drought, wind and frost.
The latest rainfall has arrived too late to emulate last year when conditions were perfect for growing a heavy crop. It is estimated the main crop will be 10 to 15 per cent behind last year’s bumper level.
A dip in temperatures last week caused problems, especially on the east coast, and many Co Meath growers reported frost damage.
Frost also caused damage in Counties Cork and Wexford where a considerable number of growers are located.
The latest crop report from Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, indicated we could expect a much reduced harvest this year. “Crop growth has improved in the past week but overall canopies are well behind other years,” it said.