Excess supply hits potato prices

Potato growers should examine the market carefully before planting large acreages this spring, as they tisk oversupplying the market and depressing prices.

Last season's poor prices came about as a direct result of over-supply, latest figures from thePotato Councilshow.

As a result of a number of factors, total potato production in 2009 increased by 4.2% with the effect that prices per tonne fell by approximately 13%.

The organisation is urging growers to carefully consider market conditions before embarking on the spring planting campaign.