The recent dry weather may be about to play havoc with the new potato season, according to industry forecasters.

The actual planting season throughout northern Europe is now over, with most growers completing their task well ahead of schedule.

This is in stark contrast with last year when only half of the crops were in the ground by the end of April.

But there are doubts about the yield potential of this year's crop, according to Rob Burrow of the British Potato Council.

"Concerns are now developing for production from the 2007 crop, particularly for early processing varieties, if the current dry weather persists,” he notes. “There is a real possibility that some EU states will have to put restrictions on irrigation. If that happens, yields will suffer dramatically and prices will rise."

The futures markets have shown some signs of forward prices easing over the past seven days, but the general trend is for much higher values than 12 months ago. The London market is now quoting forward values of just short of £200 per tonne for delivery later this year, which is £70 higher than prices at this point a year ago.

The spot market in Scotland is buoyant, with top quality Maris Piper valued at up to £340 per tonne. The first of the early potatoes in Cornwall are now on the market. Ten days ago growers were receiving £1,000 per tonne, but as supplies increase the trade has eased and the trend is now at little over £400 per tonne.

However, supermarkets are still cashing in and a 12.5kg bag in many stores is retailing for the equivalent of almost £1,000 per tonne.

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