Australia: Simplot's potato price rise

Two hundred potato growers who supply Simplot Australia's Ulverstone factory have negotiated a $20 a tonne price increase.

The price increase comes after January’s damaging floods which reduced crop volume and quality.

The losses prompted the growers’ negotiator, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Simplot processed potato committee, to revisit last October’s contract with Simplot.

Chairman Trevor Hall said growers appreciated the increase for this current season and the next season.

"Growers now have the opportunity to plan ahead and we see this as a morale booster for growers and big positive for the Tasmanian potato industry,"Mr Hall said.