GLUT IN POTATOES DILEMMA FOR GROWERS

Chronicle (Levin), 20 December 1947, Page 5

GLUT IN POTATOES DILEMMA FOR GROWERS

Press Associatidn)

(Per

NELSON, Dec. 18. Eneouraged by the liigh prices received last year, Nelson growers pianted a record acreage of eariy and middle crop potatoes this sea.-son, Now there is a gluf. .Other ceutres are telegraphrng to say there is no demand and in sotiie cases where -farniers vvaiit tlie land for otlier early crops scariliers are being put' through potatoes and sheep turned m. When this position was revealed at 'k meeting of the Nelson branch of the Federated Farmers, speakers criticised tlie low ceiling priee allowed to growers while potatoes were retailing in Wellington at 41 d a pound. "All through tlie plains farmers are, complaining that they cannot get rid ot their potatoes, vet thev hear over the radio constant appeals to plant more," said the federation organiser, Mr. L. J. Yospfer. It was going to be a serious' matfer for the district if they could no't seil them. The meeting decided to get in toueh with the liead office of Federated Farmers to see Whether southern potatoes, which would Feep better, could be held off the market until the Nelson glut was clear or whether portion of the crop eoukl be dehydrated. The national executive is also to be asked to move to have retail potato prices more closely rolated to wholesale prices.