'The availability of Comber earlies remains a highlight of the potato year': Northern Ireland growers prepare for early summer harvest

Northern Ireland’s Wilson’s Country has confirmed that this year’s first early potatoes are expected to arrive in shops across Northern Ireland by the middle of June following favourable growing conditions.

The Craigavon-based potato processing firm said planting was completed by mid-March, with recent good weather helping crops develop well across key growing areas.

Managing director Lewis Cunningham said demand for local early potatoes, particularly Comber earlies, remains strong each year.

“Planting was completed by the middle of March and crops have responded very well to the recent spell of favourable weather conditions,” he explained.

“It has allowed growers to carry out field work in a strategic and efficient manner. The availability of Comber earlies remains one of the highlights of the potato year, with strong consumer demand for what is widely regarded as a summer food delicacy.”

Meanwhile, approximately 70% of the main crop area managed by Wilson’s Country growers has now been planted out.

Lewis continued: “The next 10 days should see the remainder of the 2026 planting work completed. Potato markets are reasonably steady at the present time. The vast bulk of last year’s crop was lifted before Christmas.

“As a consequence, there are manageable stocks of ware potatoes currently in cold store. All of this means that planting levels for 2026 will be very much on a par with last year.

“Meanwhile, we continue to bring new maincrop varieties to market. Skywalker is a case in point: it is a high dry matter, white skinned potato.”

In terms of potato availability in Northern Ireland over the coming months, Lewis confirmed that imports from Cyprus are already available, adding: “Home supply will kick-in with the availability of first earlies, followed by second earlies. The main crop harvest should get underway at the end of July. Obviously, all of this is very much weather dependent.”

However, Lewis warned that rising input costs remain a challenge for growers, particularly around fertiliser prices linked to global market pressures.

“Most growers secured the fertiliser they need at planting before the outbreak of hostilities in the Persian Gulf,” he added.

“However, the top-up nitrogen they apply is, in most cases, bought directly prior to application. And these products will come at a significantly higher cost.

“As a business we are totally committed to securing the highest levels of sustainability within the potato sector.

“We have invested in an anaerobic digestion plant at our processing operation in Co Armagh. Potato peelings are a key component of the feedstock used in the system.

“Committing to a circular economy is at the very heart of our future plans. And it’s important that we take our growers with us on this journey.”