McCain Foods Australia being investigated for “unconscionable conduct towards growers”

A Northern Tasmanian farmer has lashed out at McCain Foods (Australia) over contract potato pricing, as the consumer watchdog begins its investigation into the vegetable processor. The farmer, who has a contract with McCain, doesn’t wish to be identified due to potential backlash, said growers were sick of the low prices they were being paid by the processor for their product. “We are being paid $26 less that what we were being paid 10 years ago,” he said. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating the processor over allegations of unconscionable conduct towards growers. Letters have been sent this week to McCain growers from the ACCC, urging them to be part of its investigation. The farmer said growers had engaged in conversation with the processor regarding the price but they had not been very productive. “Farmers are the ones that have to take all the risks, we have to contend with everything nature throws at us and we still get such low prices,” he said. Read more