South Australian potato industry chips away at South East Asian markets

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.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said Potatoes South Australia, the peak industry body, will receive $35,000 through the Department of State Development in addition to $10,000 committed by Primary Industries and Regions South Australia and $15,000 through the South Australian Potato Industry Trust.

“These growth markets were identified in a Federal Department of Agriculture report entitled ‘Export Strategy for Australian Potatoes 2014-2019’. The program’s goals will align the ASEAN region’s demand for quality produce with the supply of potatoes, the world’s fourth largest traded commodity, from SA.

“This project will involve supply chain mapping to provide intelligence for Australian producers and exporters for the development of long term export plans. It will also involve Asian market mentoring, where Thailand and Malaysia market specialists will provide ongoing cultural, business and regulatory support,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Chief Executive Officer of Potatoes South Australia, Ms Robbie Davis said, “Demand for potatoes in South East Asia is increasing rapidly but is hampered by a lack of new technology, non-competitive pricing, poor institutional development and limited access to ‘disease free’ seed potatoes.

“At present disease is causing declining yields. This project will be directly tied to food security, delivering tailored domestic and in-market solutions. There is also considerable demand for ware potatoes for the crisping and fresh markets,” said Ms Davis.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said the State Government’s South East Asia Engagement Strategy would be completed in early 2015 and helps maximise export development potential in nearby growth markets.

“Potatoes are a vital industry for South Australia – we are the nation’s largest potato producer with farm gate production worth $206 million. Potatoes represent the largest horticultural contribution to the state’s gross food revenue at more than $440 million.

“One of the South Australia Government’s key economic directions is to secure our position as a preferred global supplier of premium food and wine from our clean environment. Being fruit fly free, GM free and phylloxera free, South Australia stands out in a very busy market place as a credible premium supplier of potato products.”