SPRING DROUGHT SET TO DRIVE UP PRICE OF SPUDS

A PROLONGED drought on farms could push up the price of potatoes later this year, agriculture experts have warned.

The price of potatoes is down by about 8% so far this year but the recent spell of dry weather is expected to drive up the price again, according to Teagasc.

The agriculture authority fears the lack of rain will also hit straw and fodder yields.

This spring was the driest since records began in 1837, according to Met Éireann, with less than 10mm of rain in May – just 15% of normal levels. April saw only 23% of its normal rainfall.

Experts fear a repeat of spring 2018 when dry weather forced farmers to import silage from Britain to feed their livestock.

A Teagasc spokesman said yesterday: ‘With the normal rules of supply and demand if supply is affected, that can have an impact on price.’

Teagasc potato specialist Shay Phelan said: ‘Potatoes got off to a great start this year, however early frost damage was quickly compounded by very dry conditions which has forced farmers to irrigate crops much earlier than normal.

‘Each watering costs farmers €250 per hectare and most fields need six to seven to maintain quality, but also to maintain acceptable yields.’

As well as a hit to the potato crop, Teagasc estimates the output from the cereal sector will fall by at least €100million this year following the effects of the prolonged drought which has severely affected the eastern half of the country.