Potato News from Oceania

October 16, 2012

Potato Chip Production in Australia: declining revenues

According to industry research firm IBISWorld, potato chip manufacturers in Australia face tough conditions as a result of increasing health consciousness and rising import competition. On occasion of the publication of a new report on the Potato Chi...

October 12, 2012

Impending Australian feud over New Zealand potato imports

A bitter feud over plans to import potatoes from New Zealand is escalating, with growers accusing Australia's biosecurity body of fudging the science and lacking the knowledge to prevent a major pest outbreak.

October 07, 2012

Australian government provides updated statement regarding proposal to import potatoes from New Zealand

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of the Australian Government has released a new statement on October 4 regarding the heavily contested proposal (e.g. by AUSVEG) regarding import of potatoes from New Zealand

September 28, 2012

Australians' appetite for imported french fries has soared 700 per cent in two years.

Australians' appetite for imported potato chips (french fries) has soared 700 per cent in just two years.

September 27, 2012

Potato harvesting season begins in Fiji

Potato harvesting has begun in the Western Division of Fiji and the government is hoping for around $1.7 million worth of potatoes.

September 16, 2012

Australia’s growers praise Senate Inquiry into importation of New Zealand potatoes

A Senate Inquiry into the importation of fresh potatoes from New Zealand has been praised by the Australian horticulture industry. Last week, Senators Colbeck, Xenophon, Nash, Madigan and McKenzie moved that the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transpor...

September 10, 2012

New Zealand based CropLogic wins IBM SmartCamp A/NZ

The New Zealand-based company CropLogic is the first winner of IBM’s SmartCamp Australia and New Zealand, part of a global program for start-up companies. CropLogic, which was the only New Zealand finalist in the program, is a provider of predictive d...

September 07, 2012

Tasmanian potato farmers expect industry 'wipe-out' if New Zealand imports are allowed

Furious Tasmanian farmers have warned that the state's potato industry faces ruin if New Zealand imports are allowed.

September 05, 2012

Australian potato industry roasts PM in import row

A cartoon portraying Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard and senior ministers as children playing a video game has been launched by the potato industry as part of its war to block imports of New Zealand potatoes.

August 28, 2012

Potato debate continues in Australia as Korea suspends US potato imports

The public debate between AUSVEG and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Australia continues, with AUSVEG querying DAFF’s decision to go ahead with plans in light of South Korea’s decision to suspend imports of US potatoes due to concerns over zebra chip disease.

August 27, 2012

Simplot Australia wants to further reduce potato prices

Simplot Australia managing director Terry O'Brien has nominated a floor price Tasmanian potato farmers may have to accept to continue growing for the food processor. Speaking after the company announced the results of price negotiations with potato gr...

August 25, 2012

Simplot cuts potato prices in Tasmania

Simplot's Tasmanian processing potato prices have been cut by 11 per cent and contracts reduced by around 30,000 tonnes.

August 21, 2012

War of words between DAFF and AUSVEG on potato imports from New Zealand

AUSVEG has “wrongly accused” the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of basing quarantine conditions on outdated information, and of avoiding accountability, says DAFF.

August 17, 2012

Potatoes South Australia appoints Robbie Davis as CEO

Potatoes South Australia, the newly formed peak industry body for the South Australian Potato Industry, has appointed Robbie Davis to the role of Chief Executive Officer. “We’re delighted that Robbie is joining us,” the Chairman of the Board of Pota...

draft report import potatoes (Australia)

July 08, 2012

Potatoes New Zealand welcomes step towards fresh potato exports for processing to Australia

Potatoes New Zealand has welcomed an Australian Government draft report which is expected to open the door to the export of fresh potatoes for processing from New Zealand to Australia.

July 06, 2012

Australian potato growers fear disease coming in from New Zealand

Australia's national vegetable grower group Ausveg says import controls being recommended by Biosecurity Australia fail to protect Australia's potato industry from the threat of disease.

June 29, 2012

Packaging Equipment Manufacturer tna acquired The Cadalec Group

Confirming its position as the leading complete packaging solutions provider, tna is pleased to announce its acquisition of The Cadalec Group.World-renowned specialists in electrical and control system integration, The Cadalec Group bring over 20 years...

June 11, 2012

McCain's Australian growers spitting chips

French Fry manufacturer McCain Foods has been accused by the Victorian Farmers Federation of using 'bully-boy tactics' to push potato growers in Victoria and Tasmania to the financial brink.