Harvest time for 'baby potatoes' in South Australia

The start of the annual harvest highlights the success of the potato industry which is providing an economic bonanza in South Australia, becoming the success story of the state's $2.5 billion horticulture sector in the past decade.

It provides close to 80 per cent of Australia's fresh potatoes, with gross revenue of more than $432 million.


To highlight the start of the season, Potatoes South Australia is holding an inaugural baby potato auction at the Adelaide Produce Markets, Pooraka, at 8am on Wednesday, October 31, with funds going to the Little Heroes Foundation.

"We hope it will bring out the best among South Australia's philanthropic vegetable merchants, growers and other stakeholders who are keen to secure the best potatoes of the season and make a positive contribution to charity,"Potatoes Souht Australia chief executive Robbie Davis said.

Baby potatoes are becoming increasingly popular at home and in export markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

Potatoes South Australia chairman Nick Psevdos said baby potatoes signalled the start of the picking season.

South Australia is Australia's largest producer of baby potatoes, which represent about 10 per cent of the total crop.