Potato News from Oceania

McCain is proposing a USD 10.43 per tonne cut in Tasmanian processing potato prices. TasFarmers says grower committee talks have ended ahead of planting, while McCain says conversations with growers are continuing.

Hungritos showcased French Fries, Aloo Popcorn, Potato Mojjos, Criss-Cross Waffle Fries and other frozen snacks at Fine Food Australia 2026 in Melbourne, strengthening partnerships and its presence in Australia's foodservice and retail markets.

Most Tasmanian potato growers supplying Simplot have signed new contracts after TasFarmers reported an average 2.5 percent price cut, raising concerns over rising production costs and the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Simplot and Tasmanian potato growers remain at odds over prices and supply terms, with growers also concerned about contract cuts and a planned 30,000-tonne reduction in potato volumes through the Ulverstone processing plant.

Heat and Control will showcase Urschel's latest slicing and dicing equipment, including the Little Gem Aspire Dicer and MicroAdjustable SL-14 Slicing Head, during foodpro 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.

The invasive serpentine leafminer has been detected in Tasmania for the first time after being found at a commercial grower in the state's north-west. The pest attacks more than 200 plant species, including potatoes, and can reduce crop yields.

Mosgiel Taieri College students have created Winter Warrior, a potato-based windscreen spray that prevents frost. Developed for Young Enterprise, it is applied overnight to stop ice forming, aims eco-friendly, about $20 bottle. in testing phase.

Wyma Solutions’ Micron Filter XL is a self-cleaning filtration system for post-harvest operations. Filtering water to 0.15mm, it cuts TSS by 60%+ and BOD/COD by 50%+, enabling water reuse, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability.

Key Technology and PPM Technologies opened a new Customer Experience Center in Melbourne, featuring live demos, applications testing, training, and localized support for food processors across Australia and New Zealand.

Wyma Solutions, a global leader in post‑harvest processing and water treatment solutions for fresh produce, has announced the launch of the Micron Filter XL at Hort Connections 2026, taking place from 1–4 June at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

A new grower-led industry body, Potatoes Tasmania, has been established, marking a significant step toward strengthening coordination, productivity and long-term sustainability across the state’s potato sector.

AUSVEG is progressing compensation for mainland potato growers affected by Potato mop-top virus after infected Tasmanian seed lines triggered biosecurity orders preventing planting, with first payments expected this week.

New Zealand potato growers are focusing on turning higher yields into greater value as they navigate fluctuating markets, rising costs, and increasing climate pressures, according to Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive Kate Trufitt.

Weather agencies and climate scientists have pointed to the possibility of an El Niño forming in the Pacific Ocean later this year – a phenomenon that could push global temperatures to all-time record highs in 2027.

Hort Innovation reviews agrichemical needs across its levy industries. Through the Strategic Agrichemical Review Process it identifies pest, disease and weed pressures, checks available tools, evaluates risks and recommends effective alternatives.

Farm Frites has selected Dooen in Victoria as the site for its Australian potato processing plant. The plant will become Farm Frites Asia-Pacific manufacturing hub. The project has now received planning approval from the Victorian Government.

PepsiCo has acquired Australian seed potato business Dowling AgriTech (DAT) to strengthen seed supply, drive innovation, and support grower partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

Seed Potatoes in a Victorian cold storage unit have tested positive for the potato mop-top virus (PMTV).