Last year’s nightmare weather conditions continue to affect potato supply with end of March stocks down by 13 per cent on the five-year average.
Estimates show grower-held stocks at the end of March this year were 0.98 million tonnes, 26 per cent less than 2018. Over a third of that is estimated to be held by Scottish growers.
Packing supplies have helped support the overall figure, according to the AHDB, despite supplies for the packing market down 17 per cent on the previous year. Just under half the crop (42 per cent) still held by growers is intended for the packing market.
Stocks could be in line for a boost however with good weather at the start of 2019 helping the crop get off to a good start.
AHDB analyst Aidan Wright, said: “Growers faced an uphill challenge with the extreme weather experienced at the start of last year, followed by a prolonged dry spell over the summer. Careful management as well as a relaxing of specifications by buyers mitigated some of the impact of the season’s low production. However, this still means that British potato stocks are down following the smaller crop from 2018.
“As we move into the new season, all eyes will be on the early crop. Thanks to the clement weather experienced so far planting is progressing well and conditions are looking good across the country, although the general lack of rainfall is an ongoing concern for some regions.”
In other segments, fresh bag and chipping market stocks are estimated to be 14 per cent down on the three-year average, while drawdown levels are at the lowest rate since 2012/13. Estimates suggest 0.86Mt of crop was released from grower’s stores.
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