Foot-and-mouth slows potato transport

By FWi staff

SIGNS of restricted potato movements caused by the foot-and-mouth crisis are starting to emerge in areas hardest hit by the disease, according to the British Potato Council.

“Strict precautions are being taken but some sellers and buyers are extremely wary about moving loads, especially in the south west,” says the BPCs Rob Burrow. “However, there has been no effect so far on deliveries from the continent.”

Meanwhile, the weather continues to hamper both lifting and planting progress, and 2001 is already heading towards being the latest planting season on record, says the BPC.

Total plantings last week stood at 1435ha, compared with 5817ha at the same time last year.

“Growers are still trying to salvage crops but at best 75% yield loss is being reported,” says Mr Burrow. “And with little interest from buyers there has been little movement on to markets and prices remain steady.”

In southern England and Wales bulk whites are mostly 160-185/t up to 230/t for best Maris Piper.

Bagged reds are mainly 80-140/t, whites 90-120/t up to 170/t for frying Maris Piper.

In eastern and western regions bulk whites are fetching 160-220/t up to 330/t for best Edward, 270/t for best Maris Piper.

Reds are mostly 110-280/t. Bagged whites are worth 60-140/t, reds 70-150/t.

Bulk whites in Scotland are mostly 100-140/t up to 180/t for best Maris Piper, reds are mainly 130/t.

In the north of England, whites are averaging 70-100/t up to 160-200/t for top quality. Bagged Maris Piper are worth up to 125/t in Scotland, 170/t in northern England.

The BPC weekly GB ex-farm average price rose 4.44 on the week to 123.8/t, compared with 54.6/t in 2000.