POTATO STOCKS in Britain fell to 1.45m tonnes by the end of March, in line with typical usage patterns, according to recent figures from the British Potato Council.

Home crop utilisation stood at 4.67m tonnes out of an estimated supply of 6.12m tonnes, the BPC said in its last stock calculation of the season.

Since the data bears out market expectations, there has been no impact on potato values, although April futures in London have eased since highs of £85.25 in mid-April.

Ware imports since Aug 1, 2004 are up a little compared to previous campaigns, but imports of new potatoes are lower at 86,300t.

“Imports are running lower than last season and new crops in Europe have been delayed by poor weather, so there may be an influx of new crop at the same time as British growers start lifting,” warned Rob Burrow, an economist at the BPC.

Though increased competition could put pressure on some domestic crops, lower yields than usual abroad would keep ensure imported volumes down as Cornish early crop potatoes began lifting at the start of May, he added.

And forecasts for reduced plantings in Britain as well as in key EU producer countries should also take pressure off prices.

Domestic plantings are lagging last season at 47,500ha, and expectations were for a 3-5% fall in areas overall, Mr Burrow said.