Potato marketing decision welcomed - WAFarmers

WAFarmers has welcomed the State Government’s decision to retain the marketing powers of the Potato Marketing Corporation of WA to ensure the continuation of an orderly supply of potatoes in WA.

It is pleasing to see the Government agreeing with the industry that neither farmers nor consumers would benefit from deregulating the potato industry.

WAFarmers supported the WA Potato Growers Association in their bid to retain the marketing powers of the corporation under the National Competition Policy review.

In a regulated market there is equilibrium between production and consumption of potatoes in WA but in a deregulated market this balance would be distorted to no ones advantage.

Production control measures are important to ensure that there is a steady rate of supply of fresh, quality potatoes onto the market at a consistent price.

The net public benefits of statutory control enable the industry to provide consistent regional employment and use environmentally sound practises within the industry.

– Gary Bendotti