The International Year of the Potato has got off to a bad start for local potato growers, with yields well down due to a cold spring and dry summer.
Potato Product Group chairman Terry Olsen said crops already harvested this year have had far lighter yields than expected and it was likely to be the same for crops waiting to be harvested.
"Generally we are looking at a real challenge over the next few months to meet demand from customers, both in retail and processing,"Mr Olsen said.
It was particularly disappointing being Year of the Potato, during which many potato-related activities were planned.
