Around 1.81m tonnes of potatoes remained in growers’ stores at the end of February, according to the latest British Potato Council estimate for British producer stocks.

Utilisation of home crop supplies from the beginning of July 2005 to end of February 2006 was calculated at 4.1m tonnes – 7% down on the five-year average.

But 2005’s smaller crop means that at 1.81m tonnes, stocks are the lowest in five years, except for 2003.

Volumes going for human consumption are similar to last year, but fewer potatoes are being lost for stock feed or through wastage.

The next BPC update will be released on 13 April.