Potato News from Australia

March 07, 2012

Australian seed potato production devastated by floods

Crookwell's $3 million a year potato industry has been devastated by last week’s flood rains, following weeks of humid drizzly weather.

February 24, 2012

Potato growers in far north Queensland struggling

Potato growers in far north Queensland say they've had their worst season in 40 years. A huge oversupply nationally saw prices drop as low as AU$100 a tonne, when it costs about AU$350 to produce a tonne of spuds. Atherton tablelands grower David Nix ...

February 14, 2012

Australia: Potato crop washed up in Victoria's heavy rain

A potato farmer at Cora Lynn in Victoria's West Gippsland, says he won't know the extent of storm damage until he harvests his crop next month.

February 06, 2012

Potatoes South Australia appoints CEO

Potatoes South Australia has appointed a leading industry stalwart as its inaugural chief executive officer. Jonathan Eccles started this week in the new role of CEO of Potatoes South Australia. Mr Eccles was previously the CEO of Australian Banana Gr...

January 28, 2012

Clemenger BBDO and PepsiCo honour the humble Smith's chips in Australia

Clemenger BBDO Sydney and PepsiCo have launched the first new campaign for Smith's potato chips in almost two years.

January 15, 2012

McCain denies NZ move: Pressure mounts on Ballarat growers

McCain Foods in Ballarat has denied plans to shift its local plant to New Zealand within 18 months.

January 09, 2012

McCain Foods in Australia looking for 'productivity improvements' in 2012

The Victorian Farmers Federation is worried about the long-term future of the giant McCain Foods' processing plant in Ballarat.

January 06, 2012

Potato extension program launched in Australia

AUSVEG has launched a three-year initiative which aims to enhance communication within Australia’s potato industry and promote clearer information exchange.

December 21, 2011

Australian potato growers reject dietary claims

Proposed new dietary guidelines have drawn a mixed reaction from Australia's vegetable growers.

December 20, 2011

Improved snack seasoning with Heat and Control FastBack Revolution

Heat and Control has established itself as the world leader in On Machine Seasoning (OMS) Systems by looking at OMS from a complete system approach and providing groundbreaking technology innovations.

December 14, 2011

New draft Australian dietary guidelines recommend 40% cut in potato intake

Australians can now have their say on a draft dietary guideline that will help inform healthy eating habits for everyone. The National Health and Medical Research Council has released its draft Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to ...

December 14, 2011

Ballarat potato grower slams negative spud study

Potato grower Dominic Prendergast has hit out at new national guidelines advising adults to eat less of the vegetable.

November 29, 2011

Low GI Carisma Potatoes win South Australian Innovation Award

As the world’s first officially certified low GI potato, it’s no wonder Carisma recently earned The Mitolo Group the Innovation Award under the 2011 South Australian of the Year Awards. As Australia’s leading potato and onion packing company, The Mito...

November 23, 2011

AUSVEG Chairman and Deputy Chairman reappointed

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy today confirmed the reappointment of AUSVEG Chairman John Brent and Deputy Chairman Geoff Moar. Mr Brent was unanimously reappointed as Chairman of the Board, along with Deputy Chairman, Geoff Moar, who was also unanimousl...

November 18, 2011

Spud glut an unfolding disaster for potato growers in Australia

Potato prices have slumped to new lows in recent weeks amid claims a glut of spuds from Far North Queensland is causing an oversupply. Potato grower and representative on AUSVEG, David Nix, says the current crop is the largest in the history of potato...

November 14, 2011

McCain Ballarat Potato growers hope for a better potato season

Fourth-generation potato farmer Dominic Prendergast is hoping for a better potato season than last year. At the beginning of this year he led a group of Ballarat growers in a successful protest for better prices against global food giant McCain. In M...

November 11, 2011

Australia sees oversupply of potatoes

An oversupply of potatoes in the northern states is driving down potato prices in Australia. Peak industry body AusVeg expects the oversupply could last into the new year, and says it's a great opportunity for consumers to buy potatoes at a low price....

October 06, 2011

McCain Foods to meet union over pay dispute in Ballarat factory

McCain Foods is hopeful union discussions will resolve pay disputes before further industrial action hampers production at the Ballarat plant. Union representatives are expected to meet with McCain on Monday next week ahead of possible strikes on Tues...