MORE THAN 50,000 tonnes of Irish potatoes have been exported to Russia and three more shiploads are due to leave Ireland in the next two weeks. This is the first time Ireland has exported potatoes to Russia.
Exporters believe the trade is likely to slow down in the next few weeks as the Russian market begins to recover from the severe drought which caused unprecedented damage to grain and potato crops.
There are no accurate figures to indicate the shortfall in the Russian potato market caused by the drought but it has been estimated Russia needs more than four million tonnes of the vegetable to make up for losses sustained.
Irish exporters were approached by Dutch and Belgian suppliers trading into Russia which led to the export trail.
Irish growers had a bumper harvest last year, with yields up by 10 per cent on 2009. The exports to Russia have prevented the market from crashing here.
As the planting season approaches, growers have been advised to think carefully about market requirements, as they are unlikely to have the Russian outlet to remove surplus yield next year.
The Irish Farmers’ Association advised members to reduce the number of Queens, Golden Wonders, Records and Kerr’s Pinks from the number planted last year.
A Bord Bia survey found a 37 per cent increase in the number of British Queens planted, which led to a 60 per cent increase in yield. The Rooster crop is estimated to have increased by 20 per cent; Records by 92 per cent; Golden Wonders by 33 per cent; and Kerr’s Pinks by 40 per cent.
The Irish Farmers' Journallast week reported that shortages had prompted exports of hay from Ireland to the Continent.