Demand remains positive at both consumer and retail levels according to a recent report from the Irish Farmers Association.

Stocks are continuing to tighten in both Ireland and the UK, but the availability of new season varieties is helping to bolster supply. Main season crops in Ireland is reportedly progressing well, aided by higher temperatures over the past week. However, conditions conducive to blight have been present for the past few days.

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Reports indicate that the planted acreage of seed in Scotland has increased slightly compared to last year. The area entered this year is 10,256 hectares, up from 10,066 hectares last year—an increase of 190 hectares or 2%.

In the UK, similar to Scotland, there is still demand for the old season crop, but stocks are nearly depleted. Salad crops are being harvested as they become ready, and there is very little or no free buy available. For new maincrop varieties, marfona have been burnt off in the East, but skin set has been slow. If growth rates do not improve, continuity may become an issue.