POTATOES AND ONIONS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 256, 27 September 1945, Page 4

POTATOES AND ONIONS

REDUCED ACREAGES

Growers pf potatoes and onions in the Manawatu district recently met representatives of the Internal Marketing Division to discuss the scaling down of areas growing potatoes and onions consequent on the cessation of the American Forces’ demands, which had advanced the acreages in the war years far beyond New Zealand requirements. It was stated that, while growing should not be arbitrarily abandoned on all sides, it was most advisable for a farmer to have a contract for the growing of his crop. The meeting was arranged by the Manawatu Primary Production Council and it was explained that growers who had prepared ground for potatoes and would be planting on a lesser acreage could apply for compensation for work already done, and that a special committee had been set .up to draw up a schedule for compensation which would be submitted to the Minister for approval. It was hoped this would be finished at an early date. The position regarding the area of onions to be grown was somewhat the 6ame as potatoes, only it was anticipated that a much smaller area would automatically be sown this season compared with last year, but if there was any necessity for a compulsory cut, compensation would be paid in a similar manner to potatoes. It was pointed out by the Government representatives that the potato growers in the Manawatu, Marton and Rangitikei districts would have to curtail the acreage this season to approximately pre-war level. This applied to all districts in Now Zealand. Contracts would be entered into by the Government at last year’s prices for the acreage decided upon. Growers who had not so far planted should immediately contact their merchants who would advise them tho quota allowed.