News on The Potato Supply Chain from Australia

September 05, 2012

Australian potato industry roasts PM in import row

A cartoon portraying Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard and senior ministers as children playing a video game has been launched by the potato industry as part of its war to block imports of New Zealand potatoes.

August 28, 2012

Potato debate continues in Australia as Korea suspends US potato imports

The public debate between AUSVEG and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Australia continues, with AUSVEG querying DAFF’s decision to go ahead with plans in light of South Korea’s decision to suspend imports of US potatoes due to concerns over zebra chip disease.

August 27, 2012

Simplot Australia wants to further reduce potato prices

Simplot Australia managing director Terry O'Brien has nominated a floor price Tasmanian potato farmers may have to accept to continue growing for the food processor. Speaking after the company announced the results of price negotiations with potato gr...

August 25, 2012

Simplot cuts potato prices in Tasmania

Simplot's Tasmanian processing potato prices have been cut by 11 per cent and contracts reduced by around 30,000 tonnes.

August 21, 2012

War of words between DAFF and AUSVEG on potato imports from New Zealand

AUSVEG has “wrongly accused” the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of basing quarantine conditions on outdated information, and of avoiding accountability, says DAFF.

August 17, 2012

Potatoes South Australia appoints Robbie Davis as CEO

Potatoes South Australia, the newly formed peak industry body for the South Australian Potato Industry, has appointed Robbie Davis to the role of Chief Executive Officer. “We’re delighted that Robbie is joining us,” the Chairman of the Board of Pota...

draft report import potatoes (Australia)

July 08, 2012

Potatoes New Zealand welcomes step towards fresh potato exports for processing to Australia

Potatoes New Zealand has welcomed an Australian Government draft report which is expected to open the door to the export of fresh potatoes for processing from New Zealand to Australia.

July 06, 2012

Australian potato growers fear disease coming in from New Zealand

Australia's national vegetable grower group Ausveg says import controls being recommended by Biosecurity Australia fail to protect Australia's potato industry from the threat of disease.

June 11, 2012

McCain's Australian growers spitting chips

French Fry manufacturer McCain Foods has been accused by the Victorian Farmers Federation of using 'bully-boy tactics' to push potato growers in Victoria and Tasmania to the financial brink.

June 08, 2012

Australia is a dumping ground for international growers, says Ausveg spokesman

McCain's decision to use cheap potato imports rather than Australian-grown product will have devastating effects on the entire industry, according to AUSVEG

June 04, 2012

Cheaper to grow potatoes overseas, Australian study finds

A study of potato farming has found that it costs up to double the amount to grow spuds in Australia than it does overseas.

June 04, 2012

McCain works towards Woolworths deal in Australia

Supermarket chain Woolworths is in talks with McCain Foods for it to supply potatoes to a new line of frozen home-brand products.

May 13, 2012

Australian potato industry to give mash a makeover

For years the humble spud has been viewed as a simple, even boring, side dish. But that may soon change, with many in the Australian industry attempting to give mash a makeover.

May 11, 2012

Industry heavyweights address the AUSVEG National Convention at the Agribusiness Leaders Panel

Today, the Managing Director of Bayer CropScience, Joerg Ellmanns, was one of five prominent industry members to address the Agribusiness Leaders Panel at the 2012 AUSVEG National Convention and spoke about Australia’s need to appreciate the importance...

May 09, 2012

Chips down for struggling South Australian potato growers

South Australian potato growers say the SA Government has ignored their calls for assistance during a tough period for the industry.

May 06, 2012

Grant To Secure Seed Supply For South Australian Potato Industry

A Waikerie-based seed potato company has received a State Government grant for a major three stage expansion, which will help provide a secure source of quality seed potatoes for South Australian growers. Minister for Regional Development and Agricult...

April 17, 2012

Simplot want to stay in Tasmania for as long as they can afford it

Vegetable processor Simplot has reaffirmed its commitment to keep its two factories in the North-West Tasmania for as long as viable.

April 15, 2012

Satiety and vegetables: shape matters, shows Australian study

A new study investigating the role that vegetables can play in making you ‘feel full’, a sensation known as satiety, has produced findings that show maximal satiety benefit is achieved with larger ‘intact’ pieces of vegetables, in this case carrots, co...