Dry weather sees a low crop return for potato growers but high harvest time prices.
The dry weather means a low yield for the potato grower, but the scarcity has resulted in soaring prices. So much so that for the first time ever the government allowed early potatoes to be imported,
Which is not exactly pleasing the grower, certainly helped the housewife.
High prices are likely to continue until the main crop harvest gets into full swing in October. Some growers had a bonanza with early potatoes, but experts think the early digging of the main crop is likely to cause a shortage of potatoes after Christmas.
Already prices of £130 per ton are talked about for early spring 1976, so for the grower selling on the open market the future looks good. Farmers operating on fixed contract prices are getting 2.5 to 3 times less than on the open market, so renegotiations are underway.
Companies that make potato crisps and frozen chips have a large proportion of their requirements grown on contracts. Already, some processors in the crisp business have had to increase their contract price to growers from under £30 per ton to over £50 per ton.
This report for 'Landmark' was broadcast on 25 September 1975. The reporter is Ken Curran.
'Landmark' was a series which dealt with farming and environmental issues throughout Ireland.
