News on The Potato Supply Chain from Australia

March 18, 2008

The Victorian potato industry struggling because of heatwave.

The Victorian potato industry is struggling because of the heatwave. This year's potato crop was expected to be successful after a good start, but the recent hot weather has dried up irrigation sources. Norm Suckling, a potato farmer from Mollongghip ...

January 23, 2008

Australian water shortages lead to rise in potato imports

Vegetable processor Simplot Australia will import a third of its potatoes this year, more than it has ever had to before. Concerns over water shortages in Tasmania meant that not enough farmers were able to sign contracts to supply potatoes to Simplot...

December 12, 2007

GAIN Report: Potatoes in Australia

In CY 2006, Australia produced 1,255 TMT of potatoes from 35,485 hectares, suggesting an average yield per hectare of 35.4 MT. Recently industry restructure and drought has resulted in a potato trade deficit, with growth in imports outstripping exports...

October 18, 2007

Australia's Northern territory successfully growing potatoes

The potential of the Northern Territory to become Australia's next food bowl may be being realised, with potatoes becoming the latest successfully grown crop. A serious shortage of potatoes in southern Australia has driven up the price, making the cro...

September 26, 2007

AUSVEG and PPAA sign MOU to strengthen the Australian potato industry’s

The Australian potato industry is set for increased success after AUSVEG and the Potato Processors Association of Australian (PPAA) formalised their commitment to working together for the betterment of the industry by signing a historic Memorandum of ...

September 22, 2007

Australian Growers Association: McCain and Simplot unable to buy enough potatoes

The Australian Vegetable and Potato Growers Association says growing your own vegetables could help combat rising food prices and a potential shortage of fresh produce because of the drought. "We're seeing a shortage of carrots and we could pot...

August 23, 2007

Tasmanian potato growers earn price rise from McCain

Tasmanian potato growers have won an average $30 a tonne price rise for next season from processor McCain Foods. The company also wants an extra 30,000 tonnes of Tasmanian spuds to make up for expected shortfalls in Victoria because of the drought.

July 17, 2007

Tasmanian potato growers receive 12% price increase

Tasmanian potato growers have won a 12 per cent price jump for next season from vegetable processor Simplot. An extra $30 a tonne will be paid for first grade potatoes and $27.50 for all other processing potatoes. The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Ass...