Potato Marketing

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31462, 31 August 1967, Page 10

Potato Marketing

Sir,—Regarding the shortage of potatoes, it is well known that many growers are holding on to their stocks in the hope of obtaining a still higher price. In the past, any potatoes left on the growers’ hands at the end of the setson have been paid for by the Potato Board. If a grower holds on too long in a time of so-called shortage, can he claim compensation from the board for what is left on his hands through his own greed? I think the authorities should come out into the open and tell both the growers and the public what they propose doing about this. An official statement from the board would be very welcome.—Yours, etc., C.A.P.

August 22, 1967, [The chairman of the Potato Board (Mr I. A. Baxter) replies: "It is just as well that some growers are still holding stocks so that the consumer can obtain supplies until the new-season crop becomes available in substantial quantities. If new potatoes come forward to the extent that the consumer no longer requires supplies of old potatoes and some are left on growers* hands, the board will certainly meet the obligations of the contracts which were entered into in October, 1966. The funds to meet this obligation are provided by the grower himself and held in trust by the board for just that purpbse. Growers have met the demand for potatoes during the season, no market has been without supplies, and if any are not sold by the end of the season the grower only receives sufficient from the board to ensure that he is able to meet the costs of providing a further supply for next year.”]