Australia To Import N.Z. Potatoes For Processing

Press, Volume C, Issue 29523, 26 May 1961, Page 7

Australia To Import N.Z. Potatoes For Processing

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

SYDNEY, May 25. Australia is to import 800 tons of New Zealand potatoes ' every month from now till October, the Federal Minister of Customs (Senator . Henty) announced in Canberra today. Senator Henty said a sur- < vey had revealed that the shortage would continue in Australian eastern states until local new crop potatoes were available in mid-Oeto-ber. The Government in March had allowed 800 tons to be imported from New Zealand, and these had all been used by Sydney processors. Because of strict quarantine regulations the potatoes would be imported solely by the Tasmanian Potato Marketing Board in Sydney. The board would arrange distribution to processors only and under strict health department controL Although exports of 800 tons of potatoes a month would be a “ripple in the ocean” in view of the expected surplus, it was a good thing for the industry that Australia was prepared to take some potatoes, the chairman of the North Canterbury Grain. Seed, and Produce Merchants’ Association (Mr I. A. Baxter) said 1 last evening. < The Australian authorities I were very reluctant to allow ' imports of potatoes, he said. ! The exports would have little i effect on prices because of the spread-out deliveries, but i even 3000 to 4000 tons of j potatoes put of the country I would be of some help, he 1 said.

Local merchants are taking the optimistic view that later in the season, if prices on the Sydney markets rise as they are expected to, the Australian authorities may permit further imports of New Zealand potatoes for domestic consumption. At present prices for potatoes to Canterbury growers are nominally about £l7 a ton for the top grade of Suttons, with Chippewa about £l6 and others down to about £l3. These prices are about £9 to £lO below the level this time last year. However, with little inquiry, few sales are being made at present. On the Sydney market at present potato prices range from about £42 to £53 a ton in equivalent New Zealand currency. The market was reported to be rising over the last few weeks, but the trend halted this week.