Aussie Growers Hold Out On McCain Foods

Potato growers around Ballarat in the state of Victoria, Australia, are holding out for a price increase from McCain Foods, the region's major processor.

Last month, the french fry processor rejected the growers' call for a A$5 a ton increase on last year's price of A$223.50 a ton.

Growers offered to compromise at A$3.75 a ton but this was rejected by McCain Foods who counter-offered A$3.50 a ton.

Growers rejected this and went back to demanding A$5--saying they needed that much cover increased production costs.

The harvest is due to begin later this month and a spokesman for McCain said the company expected to get a price agreement in the near future.