COSTS AND RISKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22242, 30 January 1947, Page 4

COSTS AND RISKS

ADJUSTMENT" SOUGHT PRICE FOR POTATOES FREE EARLY MARKET “Gisborne growers believe that owing to the high costs and risks to be taken in growing early potatoes during the months of July to October, inclusive, that the market should be free and the question of supply and demand be the ruling factor over the price,” stated the chairman of the Gisborne PotatoGrowers’ Association, Mr. E. K. P. Cameron, in an interview to-day. “In the case of the later main crop potatoes, November, December, January and onwards, there should be a guaranteed price more in line with the costs of production. “Growers in this district, after analysing costs, consider it necessary that there should be some adjustment in prices to bring allowed under the present schedule more in line with present-day costs. “Potato-growing during recent years, and particularly since we have had a rail connection and outlet to the city markets, has increased to very large dimensions, and if it had not been for the crops grown in the Gisborne district over the last two years, there would have been a more acute famine in potatoes in the North Island. Last November and December potatoes were in such short supply that deliveries had to be strictly rationed.

“Potatoes are different from most other produce grown, the growers’ net return being most uncertain. Many conditions prevail which have an effect on the eventual outcome of the crop. Hazard of frost and too much rain in the early spring result in uneconomic returns, whilst drought conditions during the latter spring and summer months always have a detrimental effect,” continued Mr. Cameron. Many May Turn to Other Lines

“According to the average costs of growing potatoes, which have been worked out by growers in this district, it is certain that unless some improvements are made in the ceiling and contract prices, many growers will go out of production, and turn to profitable lines.

“South Island potatoes are generally finished before November, and as the main crops of Hawke’s Bay and Rangitikei are not available to any large extent until January. February and March, the shortage must be taken up by Gisborne growers. “The Gisborne potato-growers, considering the position of such importance, associated themselves with the Hawke’s Bay. Manawatu and Rangiteiki growers, and after considering the position from all angles at a combined meeting of growers from the districts referred to, then met the Government and the Minister of Agriculture. Mr. E. L. Cullen, regarding .costs, in the hope that the Government will imme- . diately consider the position so as to avoid the position becoming even more acute than last year. “It is important that a decision should be given at once, because growers will now be finalising their arrangements for either growing potatoes again next season, or turning their pastures into profitable permanent pasture crops. “Our growers’ position has been fully presented to the Minister of Agriculture. in conjunction with the Hawke’S Bay. Manawatu and Rangiteiki growers, so that each district’s position could be clearly defined. “We are hopeful, and we have now been assured by Mr. Cullen, that every consideration will be given to the position, and our association will be advised immediately a decision has been made.