Early spud planting up
Early spud planting up
EARLY potato plantings are significantly up on last year, says the British Potato Council.
The BPC has revised its estimate down to almost 148,000ha (365,500 acres) for total plantings, which are slightly above last years. Acreage devoted to first early and maincrop has decreased marginally, but second early varieties have jumped by a massive 11%.
"Interest in second earlies is growing, because farmers can get a premium price before the bulk of the maincrop comes on the market," says the BPCs Guy Gagen.
Meanwhile, potato prices have steadied due to tightening supplies, following a delayed harvest and increased storage.
The BPCs spot average price has risen by £4.44/t in the past two weeks, to £80.75/t excluding bags. *