The latest contract offer to P.E.I. process potato growers appears to be creating more bruises than benevolence for Cavendish Farms, especially when the company offered more for potatoes in New Brunswick and Maine.
A meeting to vote on the latest P.E.I. contract offer is expected shortly, but some growers are irate the company is promoting its latest offer — delivered Saturday in Cornwall — as a price increase.
The issue has divided many growers, some who believe the offer is close enough, while others are steadfast against it due to rising input costs. Diesel fuel for tractors is $1.60 a litre today, but some experts predict two bucks a litre by fall harvest.
“We’re still in the midst of negotiations and the processing committee recognizes the challenges that both growers and the company face,” said Scott Howatt, chairman of the process committee for the P.E.I. Potato Board.
“It’s because of the volatility of input costs that we’re requiring more time, but Cavendish Farms has those same challenges as well.”
A meeting to vote on the latest P.E.I. contract offer is expected shortly, but some growers are irate the company is promoting its latest offer — delivered Saturday in Cornwall — as a price increase.
The issue has divided many growers, some who believe the offer is close enough, while others are steadfast against it due to rising input costs. Diesel fuel for tractors is $1.60 a litre today, but some experts predict two bucks a litre by fall harvest.
“We’re still in the midst of negotiations and the processing committee recognizes the challenges that both growers and the company face,” said Scott Howatt, chairman of the process committee for the P.E.I. Potato Board.
“It’s because of the volatility of input costs that we’re requiring more time, but Cavendish Farms has those same challenges as well.”
