ABSTRACT
National potato consumption exceeds total production and over a quarter of the UK potato supply is imported (mostly in the processed form as crisps or frozen chips). Only a small (c10%) proportion of domestic production is exported. The majority of UK production is destined for either processing or fresh markets; however, the wholesale and food service sectors are important recipients as well. Nearly half (47%) is sold for fresh consumption with 39% for processing, 10% for seed production and the remainder for storage. However, there has been a shift in the market share in recent years, with a gradual increase in the areas being grown for processing rather than for the fresh market. Similar trends are known to be occurring elsewhere in Europe. These shifts have correspondingly impacted on attitudes towards irrigation and particularly investment in new technology.
