Aussies Reject Levy Proposal

Australian potato growers in the state of Victoria rejected a proposal for a 50-cents-a-ton research and development levy.

The levy would have collected about A$155,000 a year based on the average crop of 310,000 tons.

But only 148 of the state's 370 growers voted on the proposal with 78 percent against and 70 in favor.

Victoria Potato Growers Council Chief Executive Tony Pitt said the decision would jeopardize the future for important industry projects.

The levy would have contributed toward the cost of hiring an industry development officer, soil sampling and crop monitoring for potato cyst nematode and research into new fresh market varieties.