Tasmanian growers urge McCain Foods to raise potato prices 10 per cent

Scottsdale farmers Jerrod and Susan Nichols are preparing to plant their 2016 spring crops, but say processing potatoes for McCain would not be in the mix unless prices lifted. “What we’re asking for price-wise is not something McCain haven’t paid before,” Mr Nichols said. “We believe this year there’s no better chance to try and get some profitability back into growing potatoes for McCain. “The price that they’re returning is solid, the demand for the product is solid, yet they’re still using every trick in the book to try and keep things suppressed.” Mr Nichols is one of a group of Tasmanian potato farmers who supply processor McCain, and have called for a $30 per tonne price rise this year. More. AUDIO: Scottsdale farmer Jerrod Nichols is calling for higher prices (ABC Rural)