Australia: Potato growers still harvesting due to flat market

In sheds across Thorpdale, in Victoria’s South Gippsland, potatoes are starting to spoil. The produce was harvested and packed weeks ago but cannot be sold. The market is so flat that farmers, who have spent tens of thousands of dollars growing and harvesting these vegetables, now cannot sell them. Grower Des Jennings said some potatoes would be fed to livestock. “Basically most people are selling below the cost of production,” he said. “There are far too many potatoes around. Crops have been exceptional, right through South Australia and right up the eastern seaboard.” In addition to the potatoes waiting to be sold in sheds, there are still plenty in the ground. It is unusual for Thorpdale potato growers to still be harvesting during July. More