Potato growers face wipeout over retail pricing and surge in supply

A SURGE in potato production and predatory retail pricing have left growers facing a possible wipeout, according to IFA national potato committee chairman Thomas Carpenter.

At meetings in recent days, retailers and merchants were challenged by potato growers to return a viable farmgate price. The IFA is to hold an emergency meeting of all potato growers early in the new year to discuss this issue.

Mr Carpenter said: “Prices to producers are at historical lows and running well below the cost of production on all potatoes sold. Retailers and merchants must return a viable price that delivers a margin, if growers are to remain in business.”