Potato News from Tasmania

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Tasmanian potatoes, representing the growers affected by McCain's proposed potato price reduction. (Courtesy: Pulse)
October 04, 2026
McCain Proposes to Cut Potato Prices for Tasmanian Growers by USD 10.4 per Tonne
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.
TasFarmers members and potato producers at the protest last year against Simplot
September 20, 2026
Tasmanian Potato Growers Sign Simplot Contracts With Average 2.5 Percent Price Cut
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.
Tasmanian farmers and multinational chip manufacture Simplot are yet to reach a price agreement for the upcoming potato season. (ABC News
August 30, 2026
Simplot and Tasmanian Potato Growers Remain at Odds Over French Fry Contracts
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.
Pupae of the serpentine leafminer
June 29, 2026
Tasmania Confirms First Detection of Invasive Serpentine Leafminer
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.
Rob Salmon and John Casswell
April 12, 2026
Potatoes Tasmania Established to Strengthen Coordination Across State Potato Industry
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.
Potato stats from the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2022/23
March 04, 2024
Australia's potato industry surpasses USD 635.5 million in production value for the first time
The production value of Australia's potato industry has surged past AUD 1 billion (USD 635.5 million) for the first time.
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Agronico potato field in bloom (Variety Atlantic) in Tasmania, Australia
August 27, 2023
Simplot to acquire Agronico, Tasmania’s largest seed potato producer
Agronico, Tasmania’s largest seed potato producer, has entered into an agreement for Simplot to acquire the business and property assets of Agronico.
Tasmanian potato growers start ditching spuds after stalemate on price negotiations with Simplot. (Courtesy: ABC Rural, Laurissa Smith)
August 06, 2022
Tasmanian potato growers start ditching spuds after stalemate on price negotiations with potato processors
Potato processor Simplot Australia has refused to budge on its second price offer to Tasmanian farmers for their potato crop this season. Farmers met on Wednesday night to discuss the impasse with the company.
Pulsemaster PEF-System: the tubers are dropped into the PEF-Treatment tank unit and the pulse generator is situated against the wall. The unit has a capacity of up to 30 t/h of tuber processing.
October 09, 2021
McCain Foods Tasmania installs Pulsemaster PEF-tech innovation, reduces water use by more than 100,000 litres per day
McCain Foods has installed proprietary world-leading technology in the form of a Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) generator, as part of the company’s latest upgrade to its Smithton plant in Tasmania.
Stuart Applebee, Esandsea Farming owner/operator, Jacob Clarke, 2021 Young Potato Grower works for Esandsea Farming, and Wayne Meagher, Simplot Ulverstone Field Officer.
September 27, 2021
Potato Processor Simplot Recognizes Outstanding Tasmanian Growers
Potato and vegetable growers have vied for the title of top producers as part of Simplot's Annual Grower Awards. The Awards, which have been in place since 1997, recognize the outstanding achievements of Tasmania's potato and vegetable growers during the 2020-2021 harvest.
BORN AND BRED: Leigh Elphinstone has potatoes in his blood, taking over his family farm and continuing to grow for Simplot.
August 26, 2021
Potato growers to receive extra AUS 9/tonne from Simplot Australia next year
The multi-generational farmer's passion for the simple spud seems to have paid off, helping secure growers like himself an additional $9 a tonne deal with major food manufacturer Simplot over the coming financial year.
Tasmanian-based Agronico shifted focus to 'all things mini tubers and seed potatoes'.
May 27, 2021
Tasmanian-based Agronico shifted focus to 'all things mini tubers and seed potatoes'
Over three decades, the Tasmania based company Agronico has shifted its focus from an agriculture consultancy business to all things mini tubers and seed potatoes.
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McCain plant operator Rodney Smith at the new refrigerated Burnie potato storage facility, with 1000 tonnes of potatoes in a pile behind him. (Courtesy: Sandy Powell)
October 07, 2020
McCain Foods opens potato storage facility in Tasmania
A storage facility capable of storing 11,000 tonnes of potatoes has opened in Burnie, Tasmania. The facility, which can hold 9,000 tonnes in cold-storage long term as well as a further 2,000 tonnes in short term storage, is run by McCain.
Daly Potato Company acquired by Pure Foods Tasmania Limited
September 11, 2020
Daly Potato Company acquired by Pure Foods Tasmania Limited
Pure Foods Tasmania Limited has agreed to buy the business and assets of Daly Potato Company Pty Ltd (DPC) for $1.8M with a mixture of cash and shares, subject to working capital adjustments.
In Tasmania, Australia, McCain Foods has completed the upgrade of its Smithton plant. Staff shows a box of beer battered french fries, that now can be produced on the new batterline and fryer.
August 23, 2020
McCain Foods Smithton plant now capable of producing battered retail french fries
In Tasmania, Australia, McCain Foods has completed the upgrade of its Smithton plant. The capital invest included an expansion on its retail production and the installation of a new fryer and batter applicator.
Rain decimates Tasmanian potato crop; processors fear European spuds will be dumped on the Aussie market.(Courtesy: Trevor Hall)
May 18, 2020
Rain decimates Tasmanian potato crop; processors fear European spuds will be dumped on Aussie market
Tasmanian potato growers, who produce the bulk of Australia’s French fries, are having a disastrous harvest. Months of wet weather is making it impossible to get onto paddocks in parts of the state.
Potato growers for McCain Foods in Tasmania gain price increase.
September 10, 2019
Tasmanian McCain potato growers gain price increase
A long-awaited price increase has come for the state's McCain potato growers. Grower Beau Gooch said the $33 per tonne increase would help put profitability back in the paddock.
Nathan Richardson, Chairperson of the Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association (TFGA) Vegetable Council.
August 28, 2019
Tasmanian Potato Farmers accepted Simplot's latest price offer
More than 80 potato growers in Tasmania, Australia felt a sense of relief when receiving Simplot's second offer for their processing potatoes, says Nathan Richardson, chairperson of the Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association (TFGA) Vegetable Council.

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