Higher prices, more food waste: Farmers raise concerns over impractical standards for one vegetable

Australians take pride in the quality of their produce, and it's no secret that spuds are one of the most enjoyed vegetables in Aussie homes.

Whether it's a creamy mash, crispy chips, or a classic salad, potatoes have been a diet staple ever since.

However, the quest for the perfect potato has been a growing concern, which has led to farmers clamouring for change.


At a recent South Australian parliamentary hearing, the spotlight was on the high aesthetic standards for potatoes and its impact on both the industry and consumers.

Growers and farmers spoke out, saying that these expectations are causing more food waste but also contributing to higher prices at the checkout.

Terry Buckley, a major potato grower from South Australia, presented his concerns to the state's Select Committee.


compressed-potatoes.jpeg
Potatoes may come in different sizes and can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Image Credit: Pexels/Marco Antonio Victorino


'We have the highest standard of French fries, crisps and fresh potatoes in the world,' Mr Buckley stated.

However, he also highlighted the downside: 'There's obviously a lot of wastage in trying to achieve those high standards.'

In Europe and the United States, consumers are accustomed to potatoes that may not look perfect due to storage.

Yet, these consumers focus more on the taste and texture.


Mr Buckley believed that Australian supermarkets and consumers need to look beyond the surface—especially since the skin is often peeled away before consumption.

The current standards mean that potatoes that do not meet supermarket criteria are typically relegated to stock feed.

To avoid possible defects, farmers are forced to harvest potatoes earlier, which could affect the quality and taste of the crop.

Robert Simms, the select committee chair and Greens MLC, called the focus on potato appearance 'absurd', especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

'Potatoes are a staple food. It's cheap and filling,' Mr Simms stated.

'If you're someone who's trying to put food on the table for your family, getting access to cheap potatoes is a really good way to do that,' he added.


The committee also heard from supermarkets about their aesthetic standards for other products.

Woolworths mentioned that there isn't a consumer desire for large bananas.

This, in turn, leads to discarding good produce.

After Mr Buckley raised his concerns, the SA Select Committee into Supermarket Pricing should deliver their recommendations to address this issue by the end of the year.

These recommendations should address the gaps and propose changes that could benefit everyone involved.

So, next time you're at the supermarket, take a moment to consider the potatoes you're buying.

Remember that the odd shapes and sizes are just as delicious, and buying them can help reduce food waste and keep prices down.
Key Takeaways

  • Australian farmers expressed their concerns over the high aesthetic standards for potatoes, causing food waste and higher prices.
  • Terry Buckley, a major potato grower, stated that the country has become too focused on the appearance of potatoes rather than their taste.
  • The SA Select Committee into Supermarket Pricing started investigating the matter and is expected to deliver recommendations by the end of the year.
  • The committee chair criticised the emphasis on appearance for leading to absurd levels of waste and higher costs for consumers, especially when facing a cost-of-living crisis.
Have you noticed the high standards for potatoes and other produce at your local supermarket? Would you be willing to buy less-than-perfect potatoes if it meant saving money and reducing waste? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
I like to use Kipfler potatoes Occasionally but have flung these to be green and we all know green potatoes are poison so 9 times out of 10 these are thrown away sadly. I only wish we could get King Edward potatoes here in Adelaide. A great all rounder. This time of year potatoes do not chip well either.
 
Its really appalling the amount of wasted fruit and vegetables because it's not up to standard for sale. Just sell the stuff what does it matter if the bananas are not big or the carrots are funny shapes the spuds are lumpy bumpy who cares. Even if the prices are brought down a little.
But that would be to easy.
Kind regards to all Vicki
 
Personally I don't care what vegetables look like, in the end they all look the same.
Same here, who cares.
Wish we could buy Coliban potatoes here in WA, they make the best chips and baked potatoes.
Years ago in SA, they were widely sold by supermarkets.
Many cooking shows recommend them.
Even good old Spud Shed here in WA doesn't have them.
Come on Mr Galati where's the Colibans.
 
when i first came to australia i asked in woolies if they had some new potatoes to be told these came in today.??????? OH! how I would love to be able to purchase NEW potatoes. I have tried growing my own and manage to geta few miserable ones.
Haven't seen them since I was a kid and mum used to buy them.
 
A potato in any shape is still a potato, and it doesn't change in flavour if its an odd shape. Supermarkets are obsessed with shape and presentation, yet they have odd shaped fruit on special.
I feel for the producers that are subjected to this scrutiny, and the waste that unnecessarily increases the cost to the consumer. With the ever increasing cost of living, one would think that Supermarkets should and would be looking for ways to assist there customers by being more flexible in relation to the shape of produce that does not conform to the buyers. Whoever they may be in the sourcing of the produce.
The shape of fruit is not controlled by the grower, Mother Nature does this and we the consumer are being educated by the supermarket as to what is being purchased. Let's go back to the basics and accept odd shaped fruit and vegetables and a more reasonable priced product.
This way everyone wins !!!!.
 
A potato in any shape is still a potato, and it doesn't change in flavour if its an odd shape. Supermarkets are obsessed with shape and presentation, yet they have odd shaped fruit on special.
I feel for the producers that are subjected to this scrutiny, and the waste that unnecessarily increases the cost to the consumer. With the ever increasing cost of living, one would think that Supermarkets should and would be looking for ways to assist there customers by being more flexible in relation to the shape of produce that does not conform to the buyers. Whoever they may be in the sourcing of the produce.
The shape of fruit is not controlled by the grower, Mother Nature does this and we the consumer are being educated by the supermarket as to what is being purchased. Let's go back to the basics and accept odd shaped fruit and vegetables and a more reasonable priced product.
This way everyone wins !!!!.
Could not agree more well said.
Kind regards Vicki
 
I don't mind what the potato looks like. They are still a great staple on the table. I myself also like potatoes Cooked in their jacket and butter smothered over them. Eat skin and all, love them and they are great. I like big banana's not so much wastage after peeling them. Some people are just too fussy about what things look like.
 
Last edited:
when i first came to australia i asked in woolies if they had some new potatoes to be told these came in today.??????? OH! how I would love to be able to purchase NEW potatoes. I have tried growing my own and manage to geta few miserable ones.
Bet they taste good though. I haven't seen new potatoes for a while. You could tell the new potatoes by their skin and they are delicious 😋
when i first came to australia i asked in woolies if they had some new potatoes to be told these came in today.??????? OH! how I would love to be able to purchase NEW potatoes. I have tried growing my own and manage to geta few miserable ones.
 
Last edited:

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×