The recent 2024 Bord Bia/Teagasc potato conference was an uplifting event with one clear outcome: growers can look forward to a buoyant year ahead, writes Richard Halleron in a comprehensive report published by Farming Life.

Farmers reported a slight decline in yields, estimated at about one ton per acre below the average. However, the overall quality of the crop has been excellent, with potatoes exhibiting strong storage performance and market readiness. Stable prices have also provided a sense of relief to growers, ensuring profitability despite lower yields. This combination of quality and market stability has given the industry a boost as it moves into 2025.

Consumption trends are another bright spot for the sector, with demand for potatoes showing a notable increase. This positive trend is attributed to effective marketing campaigns and the enduring appeal of potatoes as a versatile and nutritious food choice.

But the Irish potato sector cannot afford to sit on its laurels. Change is coming. A case in point is the significant restriction in the range of crop chemistries potato growers will be allowed to use when it comes to meeting the challenge of blight. Linked to this is the decision to totally restrict the availability of blight chemistries to amateur growers: effective from next year.

Source: Farming Life. Read the full story here
Image: Credit Farming Life