Potato growers in Western Australia have invested heavily in a potato marketing program aimed at stopping the decline in consumption per capita of fresh potatoes.

In South Australia, McCain has sold its former potato processing factory at Penola to a meat processor, to the dismay of some local growers.

The South Australian Government is partnering with Potatoes South Australia to gain export access and expand the state’s seed and fresh potato industry within the growing international markets of Thailand and Malaysia.

Potatoes South Australia chief executive Robbie Davis says potatoes are widely considered fattening, high in bad carbohydrates, inconvenient and boring. She calls for a national image campaign.

Potatoes South Australia Incorporated, the peak industry body for the potato industry value chain, has been awarded funding of AU$409,800 (excl GST) through the Federal Department of Agriculture’s National Landcare Innovation Grants for a two year project which will help develop a more reliable soil Phosphorus test.

The State Government of South Australia has awarded AU$43,500 to the Potato Industry for initiatives to make sure workers have skills to meet increasing production demands.

Potato growers In Australia have been forced to wait longer for the outcome from an inquiry of the Australian Senate into New Zealand potato imports after the report release date was further delayed.

A drop in fresh potato consumption across the country has prompted the state industry body to call for a national promotional campaign to help boost sales.