National Potato Day 2024 has coincided with growers enjoying almost perfect conditions within which to harvest crops.

Teagasc potato specialist, Shay Phelan said that "that might change with the heavy rain forecast for some areas over the coming days.

“Some growers are reporting issues of potato bruising. This is a direct result of dry matters being so high. But, generally speaking, tuber quality is excellent.”

The Teagasc representative has confirmed a 1,000ha increase in the area of potatoes grown in 2024.

He continued: "Yields are projected to be down somewhat this year.

“So the additional area of potatoes grown will help maintain total output levels. There was no overhang of product from 2023 into the current year. This is helping to maintain grower prices.

“Potatoes being lifted now are going straight into retail outlets. No product has gone into store as yet.”

Meanwhile, IFA National Potato chair Sean Ryan is calling on all actors in the food chain – consumers, packers and retailers - to support local growers on this National Potato Day (Friday, October 4).

The Irish potato industry is worth over €105 million at the farmgate, with over 8,000ha planted annually. The potato is ingrained in Irish culture and growers provide consumers with quality, nutritious potatoes for 12 months of the year.

The sector continues to face several challenges, including the availability of seed, higer input costs and land availability.

Plantings were extremely late this year, coming out of 2023, which was one of the most difficult harvests in recent memory.

“Many growers are reporting that yields will be significantly reduced this year, especially on late planted crops.

“ A reduction of 25% is reported by some growers. Several factors are at play including issues with seed potato and of course the extremely late planting year.

“It will be another few weeks before we see the full picture, but numbers are definitely back on later planted crops,” Ryan said.

Ryan added that the "planted acreage is slightly up this year so supply and demand should balance out. A continued sustainable price for potatoes will be required so growers can guarantee a year-round supply of quality produce."

Despite the challenges, growers continue to put quality nutritious produce on consumers’ plates all over the country. Home consumption and retail sales are buoyant this season as consumer realise potatoes are excellent value for money.

“This year’s National Potato Day encourages people to revisit traditional Irish potato recipes using an air fryer. On National Potato Day this year we need to promote the potato and be proud of the excellent produce we grow," Ryan outlined.