POTATO FLOUR.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 571, 1 October 1920, Page 2

POTATO FLOUR.

A few months ago a series of articles appeared in ' the "Times" dealing with the question of potato flour, our object being to awaken sufficient interest locally tq induce interested parties to make investigation into the practicability of erecting a potato flourmill in this district. We are glad to be able to state that the articles alluded to have had the desired effect, and that certain data are now being secured from the United Kingdom by Pukekohc parties. America is paying considerable attention to the production of potato flour, and the question is one of special interest to Pukekohe growers. "War bread," states an American journal, "having improved, is an incentive for the establishment of modern flour plants. We all remember the potato bread which came into prominent notice during the war. It seems to have quietly disappeared, and one wonders whether the making of potato bread has really become an established industry. As a matter of fact, it is now struggling for a firm footing and the prospects are bright. Like every other new thing, it was necessary to go through a period of mistakes and uncertainty before a meritorious product was obtained. The principal benefit of the development of the potato bread industry is that it will provide a market for No 2's and culls, so that the No. 1 stock may be passed on to the consumer for other uses. Speaking on this phase, Major S. C. Prescott, in charge of the dehydration section of the Bureau of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture, says: 'By the proper location of potato flour plants in the regions where potato-growing already is a major enterprise, the utilisation of No. 2 potatoes and culls in the manufacture of potato flour in time may become an important factor in the potato business. It might be altogether possible for a manufacturer to contract with growers over a series of years to take all of their crop at a stipulated price, thus enabling the grower to secure a given price in years of heavy production when the crop frequently sells in the spring at prices arount the cost of production or below. As I see it, the manufacturer would buy the field run of potatoes, sort them, market the No. 1 grade, and use the balance of the stock for making potato-flour.' In 1917 about M.000.000 bushels of potatoes were made into starch and 'flour, but this quantity was doubled the following year. Eight plants were erected in various States, and some of the more modern ones are turning out a product equalling in quantity that imported from Germany. Potato flour, by the way, has been a staple in Europe for a number of years."