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Across Europe, crops are generally looking very good, but drought is beginning to cause concern. There is potential for quite good yields where irrigation is available. Irrigation is taking place in many parts of the country for the main crop following the dry period last week.
Quantities of early crop are improving every week and excellent quality is reported. Growers in the southeast are reporting that more than two-thirds of the early crop is harvested to date. In the UK, increasing volumes of early crops are coming available also and the quality is looking good. Retail demand is high for the new-season crop. However, growers are advised not to flood the market and make every effort to keep steady supply. Reports indicate that Agria crop (for chipping) in Spain has reduced in price and increased supplies are coming into Ireland as the UK moves over to new crop. Old-season crop is getting low and only merchants have significant supplies remaining. Reports from the peeling trade indicate that the peeling market has improved significantly as the tourism trade is reaching peak time. Again, growers are reminded not to rule out supplying the peeling market. The risk of blight should improve this week, as fresher weather conditions prevail for the coming week.
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