Tuesday, 12 September 2023 13:55

No shortage of spuds in NZ - Olsen

Written by  Peter Burke
Potatoes NZ chair Paul Olsen has dismissed claims that there is a shortage of potatoes in the country. Potatoes NZ chair Paul Olsen has dismissed claims that there is a shortage of potatoes in the country.

The newly elected chair of Potatoes NZ has dismissed claims that there is a shortage of potatoes in the country.

Paul Olsen says assertions about a shortage of potatoes are wrong. He says there is no shortage and there is unlikely to be a shortage this year.

He admits it’s been a challenging year with supply – given the crop losses in one of the major potato growing areas, Pukekohe.

But Olsen says, on average, it’s been a great year for potato growers in Canterbury and the yields could well make up for any losses in the north.

“The one thing that has happened is the challenges faced by the distribution network, especially with the Cook Strait ferries being out of service for significant periods of time,” he told Rural News.

“Because of this and other factors, people may not get the exact choice of potato they like – but there is no shortage.”

Olsen concedes that potatoes are becoming more expensive. However, that simply reflects the additional costs of growing and distributing them.

He adds that everything - from labour, fuel, fertiliser and road user charges - has gone up and these costs are being reflected in the price to consumers.

Another issue has been that with roads blocked or damaged in many areas, trucks carrying potatoes have had to resort to using less direct and lengthy routes, which has added to the cost. Producers of other primary products have also been hit in this way.

However, according to Olsen – who grows potatoes in the Horowhenua – the good news is that the early spuds are now in the ground and new potatoes will be on the menu for Christmas dinner.

More like this

Getting better connected

New chair of Potatoes NZ (PNZ), Paul Olsen, wants the organisation to connect and engage better with its levy paying members.

Growing spuds, milking cows - all about diversity

The Olsen family have been involved in diversification for generations in the farming settlement of Opiki in the Horowhenua between Levin and Palmerston North. They have always had a dairy farm and grown potatoes.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.

National

Machinery & Products

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

Grabbing bales made quick and easy

Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter