Potato growers in the Moorabool region (Australia, near McCain Foods Ballarat factory) say they could be forced out of business after McCain Foods planned a AU$45 a tonne price cut next season.
With McCain’s tonnage also set to be reduced by 10 per cent in Australia next season, the 50-strong McCain Growers Group says the company has used the threat of using cheap imports from New Zealand for the cut in price.
Angry growers met last Wednesday in Newlyn to discuss the latest offer from McCain Foods.
They say the company gave them the option of a AU$45 price cut next season or a AU$25 price cut this season and AU$20 next season in return for “preferential treatment”.
