TASMANIA’S
Thanks go to all members of the Potato History Steering Committee who guided and supported the project team in this endeavour. This is only the beginning of the project – still to come are the multimedia cd and website that are scheduled for release in 2004.
Thank you to the project team of John McPhee, Rebecca Ashley and Lynn Broos who managed to fit this in around the rest of their work. Thanks also to the others who were conscripted to help with the often tedious work of newspaper research and information cataloguing. Lastly, special thanks and appreciation goes to Bruce Beattie, who’s passion for Tasmania, and in particular Tasmania’s potato industry, has made working on this project both interesting and fun.
As with any work examining history, we can only recount what has been written in the past. We have tried to ensure that this is an accurate account, and have referenced material where appropriate. However, if you believe that some of the information is not accurate, then please let us know and we will endeavour to make amendments.
This booklet has been edited by: Tracey Taylor
Project Manager Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment PO Box 46, Kings Meadows, 7249 Phone: 1300 368 550
December 2003
ISBN 0 7246 6966 3
Proudly supported by: Contents
Introduction 1
Project Contributors 2
The Van Diemen’s Land Experience ~ 1803 – 1854 3
The Tasmanian Experience ~ 1855 – 1913 7
World War I to World War II ~ 1914 – 1938 13
World War II ~ 1939 – 1945 19
The Post War Period ~ 1946 – 1959 25
From Fresh Market to Processing ~ 1960 – 2003 33
The Last Word 47
Potato Yields ~ 1830 - 2003 49
References 51
This photo of the Bates family c1900 captures the essence of the first 50 years of settlement on the north-west coast. Courtesy of Lyndon Head
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY i ii TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY Introduction
The potato industry has been, and continues to be, central to the Tasmanian vegetable industry. It is hoped the documentation of its history will help both rural and urban communities understand and appreciate that significance, and give the people of Tasmania a sense of pride in being part of such a long running and significant industry.
This booklet is the first stage of the project, with a multimedia cd and website being produced in 2004. In Potatoes and Tasmania have a long these media, we can capture the association. In the 1790’s, French essence of Tasmania’s potato explorers planted a garden, industry – the people. including potatoes, at Researche Bay. Captain Bligh is also believed to From the farmers to the researchers, have planted potatoes on Bruny the stories told all have one thing in Island in 1792. When he later looked common - a commitment to and a for the crop he found that they had passion for Tasmania’s potato all died. Only after he had sailed industry. away did he note in his diary that perhaps he should have looked This project would not have under the ground! happened without the support and commitment of past and present However, the first potato crops industry players. To those who believed to be harvested in worked on the steering committee, Tasmania were those planted in the project team and most of all, the Risdon Cove by Lt John Bowen’s people who gave their time to tell landing party in 1803, so this is the stories and supply the photos, where we begin our story. thank you for helping us to make this happen. From these humble beginnings, Tasmanian potatoes have evolved We hope you enjoy this booklet into an industry that is today worth which highlights the major ups and in excess of $97 million. This hasn’t downs of 200 years of potato been without its ups and downs, growing in Tasmania. Look out for sorrows and triumphs and stories of the multimedia component to be ordinary and extraordinary people. released in 2004.
Bryan Green, MHA
Minister for Primary Industries, Water and Environment
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 1 Project Contributors
Steering Committee Members Joe Stephens, retired DPIWE Potato Agronomist
John Pauley, General Manager, DPIWE
John Rich, Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association
John Sullivan, vegetable grower, retired DPIWE Agricultural Economist
Les Murdoch, McCain Foods (Australia) Ltd
Peter Fountain, retired DPIWE Director
Peter Hardman, Simplot Australia Pty Ltd
Project Group Members Bruce Beattie, retired DPIWE Potato Specialist
John McPhee, Team Leader, DPIWE
Lynn Broos, Multimedia Designer, DPIWE
Rebecca Ashley, Agricultural Officer, DPIWE
Tracey Taylor, Project Manager, DPIWE
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 2 The Van Diemen’s Land Experience 1803 - 1854
Potato Production
400
350
300
250
200
150 Tonnes (000’s) 100
50
0
35 Potato Area
30
25
20
15
10 Hectares (000’s) 5
0
500 State Population
400
300
200 People (000’s)
100
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 3 The Van Diemen’s Land Experience 1803 - 1854
The first crop of potatoes to be Potato growing in the northern grown and harvested in Van settlement wasn’t all that successful, Diemen’s Land was planted from with two acres of potatoes only seed brought by Lt John Bowen to harvesting seven bags in 1806. By Risdon Cove in 1803. Records show 1807, the northern settlers that vegetables, including potatoes, abandoned farming and devoted were doing well1, although, by 1806, themselves to kangaroo hunting. there was a period of near famine as Patterson sought extra supplies and all potato stocks were required for asked for farmers to be sent to the seed. colony3. However, in 1807 there was a harvest of sorts, and although In the northern settlement, seed kangaroo meat was the staple food, potatoes were purchased from the potatoes were sold for 1s 6d a ship ‘Integrity’ in 1804 and planted pound3. by Col Patterson in his garden. What is believed to be first record of Van By 1807, the entire settlement was Diemen’s Land potatoes being eaten struggling for both food and order. was written by Patterson. “…my A Dutch cargo ship arrived in garden,…is nearly equal to what I Hobart Town in March of that year, left in Sydney….On the 18 January I and the entire settlement got so had peas, French beans, potatoes, drunk on the spirits landed that the turnops, greens and all sorts of small Reverend Knopwood was unable to salad…”2 perform divine service that week!3
View in Colonel Paterson’s Garden at Yorkton, Port Dalrymple, JW Lewin (1809) Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW
4 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Van Diemen’s Land Experience 1803 - 1854
Things began to look up for the The 1840’s saw a depression in the settlers, and by 1809, there were 300 potato industry, with the crop acres in cultivation between the largely unsaleable. This was due to North and South Esk rivers, of the land clearing policy of the VDL which some was sure to be potatoes. Co. They offered tenants the opportunity to purchase or lease By 1815, 32,000 acres had been land from the company, and in alienated in Hobart, of which 135 return the company would buy all were planted in potatoes. At Port produce grown by the tenants at a Dalrymple, 5450 acres were fixed price. Given that potatoes were alienated with 33 acres planted in worth £5 5s per ton, there were soon 3 potatoes . a large number of crops planted, Farming in the colony was written leading to a glut on the market. about in Britain and Europe. “All the Unfortunately, many of the farmers fruits of England or France attain to in the Port Sorell district also grew great perfection in the open air ... increasing quantities of potatoes. [and] the vegetables are of The result was unsaleable crops, surprising growth ... parsnips, with thousands of tonnes dumped turnips and potatoes, often weighing into the sea. Van Diemen’s Land’s from one to two, and sometimes five farmers were struggling to survive pounds weight each, and averaging during this period of depression. 4 350 bushels per acre.” In fact, the Port Sorrell district was Agriculture continued to prosper, affected by the depression more than with the first recorded shipment of anywhere else. It was too dependent, potatoes from Van Diemen’s Land to like Ireland, on a single crop, Sydney occuring in 1826 when 26 potatoes. The potato market tonnes were sent to Sydney from the disappeared and they had no other north-west by the Van Diemen’s options. Land Company (VDL Co). Although Desperate measures were necessary. not recorded, it is believed that James Fenton, an early settler at shipments of potatoes were being Forth took a cargo of potatoes to sent from Hobart town to Sydney Melbourne. Whilst sailing up the 1 before this date. Yarra, he sold the potatoes to the The Sydney market continued to ships owner for £2 a ton. When the grow, and by 1827, Oyster Bay owner landed in Melbourne, the settlers were raising large crops of market crashed and the cargo was potatoes for this market. Total Van dumped into the bay! Diemen’s Land potato exports were The problems of oversupply of worth £1927 for this year. potatoes and the depression were The incidence of scurvy amongst the exacerbated by the arrival of 15,000 prisoners at Port Arthur highlighted convicts in Van Diemen’s Land in the importance of vegetables in the 1844. This led to a pauper diet. This led to the establishment of population – after stationing the a settlement garden, in which probationers building roads and potatoes, along with cabbages and bridges, there were still 6,000 3 turnips, were grown. awaiting distribution.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 5 The Van Diemen’s Land Experience 1803 - 1854
Farmers cleared the land to plant potato crops. The photo is in the Calder area. Hutton
The solution was to set the convicts This crop brought good money on a at producing their own food, by good market. However the next clearing, tilling and sowing bush year’s crop was unsaleable – the land. The crops grown included market had turned. By the mid- potatoes, with the surplus food sold 1850’s, more gold diggers were on the open market. Of course, this returning home to grow potatoes for led to a further downturn in already a stagnant market. low prices and further affected the struggling farmers. The 1850’s also saw research work on methods of planting potatoes to The depression of the 1840’s gave achieve the best crop. In particular, way to the Victorian gold rush in the the mode by which any given area of 1850’s. This saw big population land could be made to produce the growth in Victoria with produce most profitable crop.6 Results were being greatly sought after. During inconclusive, but further work was this period, the price of Van to continue. Diemen’s Land potatoes reached a high £22/10/0 per ton. In 1854, the transportation of convicts to Van Diemen’s Land The Sydney markets were now well ceased. Governor Denison wrote established and the Port Sorell “There is a feeling here that to the district thrived, with the Devonport name of Van Diemen’s Land a wharf bustling on Thursdays and certain stigma is attached and that Fridays when the steamers left Port name is somehow connected with headed for Sydney. The potato the former condition of this colony market was very fickle, as shown by as a penal settlement.”7 In December Northdown farmer, Sam Thomas, 1855, it was official - Van Diemen’s who grew potatoes in shares in 1852. Land was now Tasmania.
6 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Tasmanian Experience 1855 - 1913
Potato Production
400
350
300
250
200
150 Tonnes (000’s) 100
50
0
35 Potato Area
30
25
20
15
10 Hectares (000’s) 5
0
500 State Population
400
300
200 People (000’s)
100
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 7 The Tasmanian Experience 1855 - 1913
After the ups and downs of the Prior to the wharves being previous era, the 1850’s brought constructed at West Devonport in fresh challenges for Tasmanian the 1870’s, potatoes were shipped potato growers. from either Don or East Devonport jetties. The West Devonport wharves The first record of potato moth in had better facilities, with bags Tasmania was reported in 1855 by stacked on the wharves overnight. the Royal Society. This is believed to Wharf gates were erected after be the first written record of potato several incidences of stray cattle moth in the world! breaking in, knocking the bags over 8 The Huon valley was also being and eating the potatoes! settled in the 1850’s. The pioneer By the 1890’s, the Sydney trade in families were farming their land, potatoes was booming. In August with each having a garden planted 1890 alone, 41 fully potato laden with various crops including ships left Devonport headed for the potatoes to enable them to survive. Sydney markets.
The farmlands of the north-west Of course, all work in planting the coast were being settled by tenants. crop was done by horse and single These cleared the land, with many furrow plough. The seed potatoes happy just having 20 acres of good were essentially ‘ploughed’ into the potato ground. Others continued to ground! The seed potatoes and build on their leases and ended up fertiliser were planted every third 5 with several hundred acres. furrow. After planting the crop was Essentially, “the humble potato thoroughly harrowed. After 5 cleared the land and built the ports” emergence the crop was scarified of north-west Tasmania. and moulded.
Planting potatoes was a labour intensive operation. Devonport Maritime Museum
8 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Tasmanian Experience 1855 - 1913
With the expansion of the industry The advantages of climate and soil and the markets, trials and type for growing potato crops were experiments on improving the crops also being noticed. It was reported, were increasingly being carried out. “…a climate that appeared specially adapted to potato growing …[is] Montagu….The soil is a rich decomposed basalt and the climate equable….Eighteen tons to the acre is reckoned a fair crop at Montague….But it is a mere waste of time to attempt growing potatoes in the town of Evandale.”9
One of the major potato varieties being grown across the state at this time was the Redskin, also know as black potatoes or Derwents. They were originally grown by a farmer at Browns River near Hobart. Another popular potato variety was Bismarck. It is believed that a German settler introduced it to the south of Tasmania around 1880. By 1894, it started to take its place in north-western potato production, Sets were hand placed into the where it continues to be a popular furrow. variety today. Devonport Maritime Museum Problems with potato grub in the Experiments included work on crops continued, and the damage manures and cut versus uncut sets. they were doing to the crops and the Mr WR Dyer reported, “I found that market was recognised. It was the uncut sets came up seven to noticed that grub only attacked in eight days earlier than the cut sets, dry weather when the ground was and all through the first two months open, so recommendations were to the uncut were ahead of the cut sets; “cover the potatoes deep enough in fact you could see a decided with earth to prevent the grub 9 difference all through.” having access to them.”10 – a Fertilisers were not the high analysis recommendation still valid today. blends we find these days, with Mr Even in 1895 was the value of export Dyer reporting that, “…bonedust markets for Tasmanian grown gave the best results, wood ash potatoes recognised. Mr Fincham, second, Peruvian guano third, Superintendent of Police who had 9 Maldon Island fourth.” The crop in spent time in India and Persia, this trial yielded a healthy 11 tons quoted Tasmania’s “grand capacity per acre of mostly marketable for producing fruit and vegetable in potatoes. abundance and perfection.”9
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 9 The Tasmanian Experience 1855 - 1913
The quality, yields and acreages of The early 1900’s also saw calls for potatoes were generally increasing the development of new potato in the late 1890’s. Experimental work varieties. There wasn’t a certified included investigating set spacing, seed scheme to managed disease quantity and type of manure, and problems back then, so new varieties looking at damage to potatoes from were thought to solve all problems. handling and shipping. It was deemed that the “profit making lifetime of a potato is from Crops were booming, with 12-15 years”12 so new varieties oversupply to Sydney becoming a needed to be produced. concern. It was determined that 8,000 to 10,000 bags a week would New Zealand potatoes were banned maintain the prices. Growers were in Sydney, and Tasmania was urged to ensure quality of the exporting more potatoes than potatoes was improved and that anywhere else. This led to further seed was picked over. complacency by growers on quality, in particular the amount of soil in the sample.
In fact a Sydney trader wrote to the paper complaining about the quality and amount of dirt of Tasmanian potatoes “the growers out of kindness may think that the exporting of Tasmanian soil may assist in the developing of agriculture in this state.”13
Disease problems were increasing, and by 1908 there were reports of scab, bacterial rots and eelworm resulting in crops being condemned in Sydney.
Although the Irish blight hadn’t reached Tasmania, from 1905 there was a great awareness of this Devonport Wharf circa 1900 devastating disease, as it was Devonport Maritime Museum causing havoc in New Zealand. By 1900 the market had increased Information on the disease was and 100,000 tonnes of potatoes were published in the papers so growers grown in Tasmania. Further could be aware of any problems they concerns on quality of the crop were may see in their crops. One grower raised and some lots shipped out at Evandale thought he had the were described as a “disgrace to the disease, but closer investigation by State and only fit for pigs”11 the Government entomologist found Potato prices were reaching record it was aphid damage. levels by 1905, and agriculturists were “pinning their faith on the tuber.”11
10 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Tasmanian Experience 1855 - 1913
So the State was on high alert for the In order to administer the Act, a levy appearance of Irish blight. These of two shillings per acre of potatoes fears were well founded, as the was to be paid by every grower. The dreaded disease wiped out almost Act also required that potato the entire harvest of 1909. It turned growers spray the crop at least twice out that the Redskin variety was per year, and do what ever was particularly susceptible to the necessary to eradicate and prevent disease. disease spread.
Irish blight resulted in a forty In 1911, The Agriculture and Stock percent decrease in crop planting Department of Tasmania published from 1908 to 1909. Bismark and a bulletin on Irish blight control. Brownell varieties were found to be Recommendations were to spray the more tolerant of blight and largely crop with a mixture of bluestone, replaced Redskin as the preferred quicklime and water. varieties. The blight control legislation, the use The prevalence of blight led to the of different varieties and the fact that formation of legislation and the not every season had suitable Potato Diseases Act was born in weather conditions for disease 1909. This was to “provide for the development meant that Tasmania’s eradication of diseases affecting the potato industry managed to survive potato and prevent the spread of Irish blight, and keep their markets. such diseases”
Crop sprayers like this were used to manage Irish blight. Collection, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 11 12 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY World War I to World War II 1914 - 1938
Potato Production
400
350
300
250
200
150 Tonnes (000’s) 100
50
0
35 Potato Area
30
25
20
15
10 Hectares (000’s) 5
0
500 State Population
400
300
200 People (000’s)
100
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 13 World War I to World War II 1914 – 1938
By the time World War I started, the “Since the advent of Bismarck,…, potato industry was starting to there has been … an early seasonal recover from the devastation of Irish trade, devoted to the marketing of Blight. The focus continued on the immature or new potatoes.”18 Sydney markets, but there were Previously, it was the custom to concerns about the quality of the leave the entire crop in the ground potatoes. until it was mature before harvesting. The Weekly Courier prints, “If Tasmania is to hold her position as Tasmanian growers were urged to the foremost producer of high class consider grading their potatoes, and potatoes in the Commonwealth, it is not include chats amongst the good clear that a better system of tubers. The presence of excess dirt in marketing will have to be the bags was also a concern. adopted.”14 Competition at Sydney markets was becoming keener, with The quality of Tasmanian potatoes Victorian potatoes achieving higher still remained somewhat prices due to better quality. inconsistent. Growers were starting to recognise that the highest yielding Growers were also starting to focus crop may not necessarily be the most on a new market – new potatoes to profitable. The Weekly Courier Sydney. These potatoes were reported, “…there is a wide margin shipped in November and were soon in the selling price of the highest and realising record prices of over £20 lowest grades of potatoes.”15 per ton.
Inspecting potatoes bound for the Sydney markets. Archives Office of Tasmania
14 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY World War I to World War II 1914 - 1938
The importance of economics in potato production was also being realised. Growers were informed that by raising heavier crops each acre, they reduce the cost of production per ton of crop. The methods to increase production were deemed to be by “better cultivation, more courageous manuring, and seed selection.”16
With all the discussion on the importance of using quality seed potatoes, good prices of potatoes in Sydney caused just the opposite to occur. In October 1919, there were concerns that the area planted the coming season would be depleted as growers were tempted to sell their seed potatoes on the Sydney market! Seed quality was important for In fact, it was reported “With increasing production. potatoes so high in price there has Devonport Maritime Museum been talk of picking out the sections containing the eyes for planting and The 1920’s saw the potato industry using the remaining for culinary focus on two area; the importance of purposes.”17 good quality seed and the marketing of quality Tasmanian potatoes. By 1921, the trade in Tasmanian potatoes to Sydney was so strong In the former, growers were advised that local New South Wales growers to use seed of known history, which were left with crops in the ground. was best achieved by growing it at Three factors were deemed to be home! During the season, growers contributing to the success of were to mark the healthiest, best Tasmanian potatoes in Sydney - growing plants, and then pay their quality, the way they were particular attention to them at sold, and the fact that the crop was harvest. ready early. “A good yield is requisite; if the hill Although Tasmanian potatoes were is low-yielding, none of the tubers not graded under Government should be saved for seed, even regulations, the inspection of them at though some are of good size and the wharves resulted in growers type.”19 In fact, progressive growers paying closer attention to the quality were expected to maintain a seed of their product. Another advantage plot which was inspected of Tasmanian potatoes was the throughout the season. Unhealthy, selling of them on the Sydney weak and not true to type plants wharves by a limited number of were to be removed before harvest. agents.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 15 World War I to World War II 1914 – 1938
The ‘seed’ potatoes were grown for a second season at Upper Natone and showed improvement in type and health of the crops.
By 1933 there was enough seed harvested to distribute 19 farmers under a certification scheme. This first harvest crop was then certified by the Department of Agriculture. Yields from this stock were outstanding, with some crops achieving 12 tonnes per acre in a comparatively unfavourable season.
Tewkesbury Potato Station was established in 1933 to raise ‘Mother Seed’ for Tasmania’s potato industry. By 1935, 33 acres of potatoes of six varieties and 1000 CEW Oldaker, the pioneer of individual plant selections were Tasmania’s Certified Seed Scheme harvested at Tewkesbury. The Tasmanian seed potato certification The Department of Agriculture was scheme was on its way. also working on breeding new CEW Oldaker wrote of the potato varieties and looking at establishment of Tewkesbury and disease control measures. seed certification, “Whilst definite During 1928, Department officers advances have been made in the travelled throughout highland work of potato seed improvement, it districts and selected healthy, true is recognised that much still remains type plants to use as foundation seed to be done. One step only is possible stock. These seed lots were isolated each year, and some time may elapse and planted at Myrtle Bank, in the before the ideal is even closely north- east, at an altitude of 1900ft. approached.”18 Selections were assessed for quality, On the potato marketing side, in disease, vigour, with the absence of 1926, New South Wales imposed virus being critical. At harvest, only new regulations on Tasmanian those lots with reasonable yields of potatoes. All bags were required to good type were kept. The trial was have the grade of the contents repeated the following year, with stencilled onto it. There were two some imported varieties from the standards of potatoes, No 1 Grade UK and USA included. and No 2 Grade, with potatoes In 1930, anticipating extension of the intended for planting to be branded selection work, seed stocks were ‘seed’. This was met with some transferred to Hampshire in the resistance, as growers considered it north-west, where disease free seed to be harassment! In fact, one grower was produced. This was the start of was quoted as saying “they might go the Tasmanian Certified Seed Potato further and order them to be Scheme which still operates today. wrapped in tissue paper.”20
16 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY World War I to World War II 1914 - 1938
The marketing of Tasmanian The first was the issue of Tasmania’s potatoes came to a head in 1927 with competition with New Zealand in the establishment of the Potato the Sydney markets. It was reported Marketing Board (PMB). It was in that “Huge quantities of New the form of a producer’s cooperative, Zealand potatoes have been dumped but had active government support. into Sydney…, and sold at low prices to the detriment of The aim of the PMB, was to Tasmania.”21 Tasmanian potato strengthen the Tasmanian potato growers engendered support from industry in the face of growing Victorian and New South Wales competition from New Zealand. The potato growers to get the tariff on Board was recognised by statute in New Zealand potatoes increased 1935, with it being financed from from £1 to £4 per ton in a bid to part of the port inspection fees ‘save’ the industry. collected by Department of Agriculture on potatoes shipped The Victorians, however, had interstate. The Board wasn’t covered another agenda. They wanted to by legislation until 1952. impose quarantine restrictions on New Zealand potatoes due to The PMB had representatives in powdery scab. This was the Sydney who liaised with merchants beginning of the ‘scab wars’. and shipping companies to the Strangely enough, both of these benefit of Tasmanian potato applications were successful. growers. But the war did not end here, with Turmoil in Tasmania’s potato the second issue being Victoria industry began in 1926, with two declaring quarantine sanctions main issues at the fore. against Tasmanian potatoes due to infection with powdery scab.
Potato quality and powdery scab were major issues for Tasmanian growers.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 17 World War I to World War II 1914 – 1938
Tasmanian potatoes could be Along with applying manure at shipped to Melbourne and then planting, farmers were told of the transported by rail to Sydney, but importance of using good seed, not unloaded at any destination building up soil fertility and south of Sydney! thorough cultivation - recommendations that are still So Tasmania both won and lost – the relevant today! increased tariff against New Zealand meant it could keep its Sydney So, some of the issues facing growers markets, but the Victorian scab during this period were resolved, embargo meant it lost its Riverina such as the Victorian embargo. markets in New South Wales. Other issues, including the New Zealand embargo, seed The embargo continued, and it improvement and potato marketing wasn’t until 1931 that Tasmanian were to continue into the next scientists ventured into Victoria and decade and beyond. discovered that powdery scab already existed there. Tasmania took the Victorians to the High Court and won the case in 1932. But the story doesn’t finish there. The embargo against New Zealand potatoes resulted in them banning the importation of Australian citrus fruits, so the Federal government was looking at resolving this issue.
So whilst the Tasmanian government was fighting to remove the Victorian embargo, some parliamentary members were also fighting to keep the New Zealand one in place! It would be a number of years before the issue of New Zealand imports was resolved.
Research work on potatoes continued throughout this period of turmoil, with manurial trials taking the fore. Recommendations were to use a mixture of 200 kg superphosphate and 50 kg sulphate of ammonia at a rate of 250 kg per acre in the furrow at planting time. The use of potash gave mixed results, so the intention was to further investigate its use.
18 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY World War II 1939 - 1945
Potato Production
400
350
300
250
200
150 Tonnes (000’s) 100
50
0
35 Potato Area
30
25
20
15
10 Hectares (000’s) 5
0
500 State Population
400
300
200 People (000’s)
100
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 19 World War II 1939 - 1945
The events of World War II had a Following the Tasmanian example, major impact on many aspects of the the Victorians also decided to Tasmanian potato industry. Overall implement a seed scheme stating it was a period of rapid expansion that “a marked improvement has when patriotism ran high and been noted in both increased growers were encouraged to weights of crops and reductions of “Plough and Dig for Victory”22. disease damage” 24. In 1940, in recognition of the value of seed, the Expansion required further seed line Federal Potato Committee proposed improvement and in 1939 the that seed grade be eliminated as a Department expanded their grade for human consumption. certification scheme to include the popular Bismark variety. The Whilst the Department continued its certification occurred at Tewkesbury focus on maintaining the health of Potato Station where they were stock, the market for potatoes already growing 20 acres of fluctuated. In 1939, drought on the Brownell ‘mother seed’.23 The stock mainland resulted in poor potato was passed to approved growers crops. Heat waves destroyed market who, under supervision of the garden vegetables and led to Department, bulked the seed and increased demand for Tasmanian sold it to commercial potato farmers. potatoes. Melbourne and Sydney markets were still the main outlet for The value of certified seed from high Tasmanian potatoes and the drought altitudes was being recognised and brought prices to a ten year high of demand for seed for all varieties £25 per ton to retailers. increased steadily through this period.
Growers were encouraged to ‘Plough and Dig for Victory’. Collection, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
20 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY World War II 1939 - 1945
The Sydney market was one of the main outlets for Tasmanian Potatoes, with adverts like this one occurring in the local papers.
The soaring prices rendered potatoes In hindsight the situation “turned too expensive for the average out somewhat comical”26. After the consumer. Potato grades were embargo was lifted, oversupply of relaxed to allow lower quality tubers potatoes in Tasmania, and a shortage onto the market yet the short supply of potatoes in New Zealand, and high retail prices continued. occurred! In following years, for Dieticians advocated “as a substitute similar reasons, the ban on NZ for dear potatoes, rice, haricot beans potatoes was temporarily lifted on or lentils”. Of course, the rice would several occasions. need to be appetising and to do this the addition of butter and “a few Just as the price booms occurred, so drops of tomato sauce” 25 was did periods of severe market glut. suggested. During such times, prices at Tasmanian wharves dropped to as The price of potatoes became a major low as £3 per ton. Yet repeated issue. In New South Wales the proposals to use price fixing to Housewives Association undertook stabilise the industry were met a boycott of Tasmanian potatoes. coolly by the Tasmanian industry. Meanwhile locally, the pilfering of Growers were concerned that whilst potatoes from wharves was an maximum prices would be set, floor increasing problem. Finally, as a prices would be unspecified. result of consumer pressure, and despite a storm of protest from Tasmanian growers and the Potato Marketing Board (PMB), the embargo on New Zealand potatoes was temporarily raised.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 21 World War II 1939 - 1945
After multiple attempts to satisfy the Contract growing ensured that industry, price regulation finally farmers would not get less than a occurred. In August 1941, the certain price and guaranteed against Federal Prices Commissioner took complete loss through shipping control of fixing prices for difficulties or transport. Contract Tasmanian potatoes in Sydney. prices for November 1943 to October Prices were fixed on Mondays and 1944 were a flat price of £1.10 per ton remained for the rest of the week. free on board. The profit for Fixed margins for merchants and merchants was also fixed at £7.6 per retailers were also established. ton. A zoning system based on soil Despite the attempts to keep prices type was instigated to determine low, there were records in following which growers dug when. Growers years where potatoes at the were compensated for potatoes not Melbourne market retailed for as needed. much as £56 per ton. A scarcity of farm labour throughout Stimulated by the need to supply the war made it difficult for farmers troops with vegetables, in 1942 the to secure workers. Farmers were Commonwealth announced a 50% encouraged to pool equipment and increase in production of potatoes. utilise all labour options. Women Tasmania was allotted a target of and children were also sought, 48,400 acres for potatoes that year. particularly for seasonal labour. The This quota was increased by an extra labour problem resulted in men 12,000 acres the following season. commanding high wages to dig Marketing schemes, to manage the crops. Prisoner of war labour was increased production of potatoes, recommended with Italian prisoners were implemented. To ensure that eventually being used. the fighting force received a maximum supply, growers were required to sell through a pool for equitable local distribution for civilian consumption.
In 1943, a shortage of shipping space resulted in quotas being imposed. When deliveries were made, growers were permitted to supply a maximum number of bags for each acre they had grown. This allowed growers to deliver about twenty percent of their crop at any one time.
Contract growing was initiated in order to reach production targets. Contracts were controlled by the Australian Potato Committee, who specified acreage and varieties. Potato diggers were in great demand during the war years. Devonport Maritime Museum
22 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY World War II 1939 - 1945
Mechanisation of the industry was beginning to occur by the end of the war. The PMB urged adoption of modern techniques. In 1944, five machine diggers were brought to Tasmania. By this time tractors for the medium sized farm were being advertised locally and Australian manufacturers were working on rotary graders and potato planters. Potato production was moving into the mechanisation era, although it would still be a number of years before this was the norm.
It was in 1942 and 1943 that several new vegetable processing plants were set up at Quoiba, Scottsdale, Ulverstone and Smithton. Clements and Marshall operated the Quoiba plant along with another plant in Devonport. The remainder were government factories capable of processing 25-30,000 tons of raw vegetables per annum. The factories Tractors such as this one were paid market prices for potatoes and advertised in the local papers. employed mostly women workers. Potato varieties grown during this A range of issues surrounding tuber era included Carmens for processing quality occurred in this period and plus the white fleshed Snowflakes strict interpretation of grades on the and Arran Chiefs. Whilst some mainland led to heavy rejections of varieties of the era are now virtually potato consignments. Losses of unknown others, such as the potatoes through damage in transit Brownell and Bismark, remain were, at times, massive. In 1941, the popular favourites. value of losses through transport between Tasmania and Sydney was As the war came to and end, there greater than the total of potatoes were a number of changes awaiting imported from NZ. But mechanical Tasmania’s potato industry. Some of damage, frost and occasional grub these were new, like the increase in and blight problems continued. mechanisation of farming and the Damage from handling was reduced loss of the huge war market. Other by placing straw in the slings that problems were continual, such as were used for moving potatoes. potato marketing and tuber quality, Also, an increased emphasis was and were not to be resolved for a place on correct potato storage and number of years. pitting and shed storage was promoted leading to improved quality.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 23 24 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
Potato Production
400
350
300
250
200
150 Tonnes (000’s) 100
50
0
35 Potato Area
30
25
20
15
10 Hectares (000’s) 5
0
500 State Population
400
300
200 People (000’s)
100
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 25 The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
The war had brought mixed fortunes The TPAC was financed by the to Tasmania. The scarcity of some merchants but advised by the PMB commodities and the impact of on marketing matters. The supply of young men and women leaving for potatoes was regulated by a quota active service marked the first half of system, which allowed each grower the 1940’s in ways never before seen to deliver three bags to the acre, with in the community. a minimum of 15. Reports were common of growers registering Amongst the angst of the war, the larger areas than were actually potato industry had seen the sown, or registering area in the opportunity of a new future. names of numerous family Production had risen dramatically in members, as ways of getting around order to service the demands of the quota system. troops in the Pacific, and growers operated under a system of Commonwealth Government guaranteed contracts. In the latter stages of the war, the area devoted to potato production was four to five times that under crop now.
The end of the war, and the subsequent loss of a major market outlet to the Armed Services, caused great concern in the industry. Considerable lobbying was done to continue the Commonwealth contract scheme until the States could enact their own legislation and production control arrangements in order to ensure orderly marketing. The alternative was to face the vagaries of the free market. In the words of the Secretary of the Potato Marketing Board, “Speculation in the marketing of foodstuffs is always Sewing potato bags a curse, and an orderly marketing Archives Office of Tasmania scheme would do away with it.”27 As was the case between the wars, When contract production ceased, the Sydney markets were king in the the PMB conferred with merchants period following World War II. The to regulate inter-state deliveries and potato industry of the day was as maintain prices. The Tasmanian dependent on exports, primarily to Potato Advisory Committee (TPAC), Sydney, as today’s industry is made up of three members each dependent on processing. As a from the PMB and the Merchants result, shipping was crucial to the Association , determined the continued viability of the industry. quantity of potatoes required in the market.
26 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
Although rationing of many In the words of The Australian commodities remained for some Potato Controller: “If shipping years after the war, the potato companies were setting out industry was heavily impacted by deliberately to wreck the Tasmanian one shortage in particular - shipping. potato industry, they could not do it easier than by maintaining their Many ships that had been used for present totally inefficient facilities.”29 coastal trade during the war were returning to their countries of origin, One means of dealing with wharf leaving a shortage of ships in space shortages was the use of block Australian waters. There was stacking, a system that was considerable frustration knowing introduced during the war. This that potatoes were in strong demand meant that potatoes received from a in Sydney, with no way of getting range of growers were stacked as a them there. Growers and the Potato single lot. While this made handling Marketing Board lamented that on the wharves easier, there was no “thousands of tons of potatoes are incentive for the individual grower wasting on farms on the north-west to support his brand with the coast because no shipping is highest quality potatoes. available to transport them to the Consequently, there were often mainland. The position was now complaints of poor quality in the worse than at any time during the market, often arising from war. The lack of shipping is nothing ‘unscrupulous’ growers who less than a calamity for our potato ‘rigged’ their shipments with bags of industry”28, according to the Deputy poor quality potatoes at the bottom Potato Controller, Mr C Wragg. The and centre of the stack. situation continued for some time, and was exacerbated by a shortage of wharf space and facilities.
Block stacking of potato bags was used on the wharves. Archives Office of Tasmania
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 27 The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
For many years, the PMB advocated Governments had “pursued a policy a return to stacking by growers’ of cheap food, ignoring the fact that brands, but there was significant the food price is also the farmer’s resistance from the shipping wage rate.” 30 companies because of the additional handling and wharf space required, Fortunately for Tasmania, it had a and the additional costs incurred. product which Sydney consumers wanted – Brownell potatoes – Despite the shortage of shipping, regarded as the superior potato in there were a number of ships that the market. The Brownell often were familiar to all potato growers. attracted a premium price. It also Who could forget such exotic names received good publicity through the as Coolana, Delungra, and Mernoo, efforts of the PMB. or Mulubinba, Natone, and Woniora? The Board operated potato chip stands at shows in Sydney and As if shortages of shipping weren’t Brisbane, and also invested in a enough to contend with, growers mobile stand for servicing other also faced a shortage of events, such as speedway races. This superphosphate. This came about operation provided welcome profile through a combination of a shortfall for Tasmanian potatoes, particularly in production at the EZ plant in the Brownell. Hobart, and a shortage of railway rolling stock to move it. Importation Despite the popularity of the of supplies from the mainland was Brownell, the quality of potatoes made difficult by a lack of shipping, sent to Sydney was often criticised although supplies from across Bass by retailers, merchants and from Strait saved the day on more than within Tasmania. On one occasion, one occasion. the Minister for Agriculture derided the industry for exporting potatoes Declining rural populations were which were “a disgrace to the just as much in the news in the post- industry”, reminding growers that war era as they are today. By 1952 he had obtained Tasmanian potatoes there were 42,000 fewer people in the Sydney market, “three of working on Australian farms than in which would have fitted in a 1939, despite the claim that matchbox.”31 “agriculture has a greater sentimental appeal than any other Some of the quality issues related to occupation on earth.”30 According to damage inflicted in transit. a newspaper article of the time, “a Waterside workers were singled out green crop or a sleek animal could for excessive use of bag hooks, but it be a rival attraction to a pretty was claimed that one of the biggest woman. Every springtime brings its factors causing damage “was the use own silent evidence of the appeal of of potatoes for the stowage of reels 32 the land.”30 and bales of paper.”
However, the rural workforce was declining, simply because conditions were better in the town.
28 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
Tasmanian potatoes were in great demand in Sydney, particularly Brownell, shown in this advertisement. Tasmaniana Library Issues of quality were never far from Two attempts to establish a statutory the news, with claims at various Board failed with growers voting times that “Tasmanian potato against the move. It was claimed growers were doing their best to lose that a statutory board would have the Sydney potato market.”33 little impact on the industry, as it could not control interstate trade, Potatoes were also exported to New and 85% of Tasmania’s production Zealand in some years, with over was marketed interstate. After a lot 100,000 sacks shipped in 1952. The of debate about statutory boards, trade also saw some dissatisfaction and other mechanisms to allow the from growers and the PMB in PMB to do its job, the Board relation to the commission made by eventually secured incorporation in the merchants, which was reported 1952. This gave protection to its as over £47,000 for one shipment – members against undue financial “and all they had to do was sit on risk and “statutory recognition to 34 the waterfront” , according to a carry out important economic Government Minister of the day. functions with the sanction of the 35 The late 1940’s to early 1950’s saw a Government.” very active time on the agri-political The Sydney markets were not scene. There was considerable always kind, and for various reasons dialogue between the PMB, the there were sometimes surplus Tasmanian Farmers Federation potatoes. In addition, there were (TFF), growers and the Government always second grade potatoes with as to the virtues or otherwise of the no outlet. Board becoming a statutory Board.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 29 The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
Interest in alternative outlets for The long running debate in the potatoes, particularly surplus and media about the value or otherwise second grade tubers, was first raised of price control mechanisms in 1941 with a proposal for a starch continued for the duration of the and glucose factory. The idea High Court challenge, which was received a lift again in 1947 with a lodged in mid-1951, and concluded proposal to establish a potato starch with the case being dismissed two and flour factory on the north-west years later. The price fixing issue coast. The factory was to be capable was obviously of great value to the of processing 30,000 t of potatoes legal profession. NSW decontrolled each year. The proposal eventually potato prices during the period that floundered due to lack of interest the case was in the High Court. Price from growers, but at least three control was still part of the local other proposals for similar factories Tasmanian market as late as 1954, were put forward up until 1950. The when, after a period of 12 months of PMB continued to advocate the decontrol, the Minister re-imposed establishment of a factory to use price control “because of the waste and second grade potatoes as excessive prices charged in recent late as 1954. months.”36 Some retailers were making eighty-five percent on the An interesting feature of the wholesale price. marketing environment of the time was continuation of price control. As with most parts of society, Potatoes were part of the ‘C’ list – agriculture was undergoing those commodities that were judged significant change in the post-war to have a significant effect on the period. Potato growers were being cost of living. Each State had a Prices encouraged to adopt more ‘scientific Minister and a Prices Commissioner methods’ to assist their production. with the power to dictate the The Department of Agriculture was maximum price of products on the conducting a range of experiments ‘C’ list. This did not stop the price of investigating the use of fertilisers, potatoes on the black market commonly referred to as ‘manure’. reaching £112/t in late 1951.
Not surprisingly, the inclusion of potatoes on the ‘C’ list didn’t greatly enthuse growers, as for a large part of the time, the price received for potatoes in the Sydney markets was as much determined by the decisions of bureaucrats as it was by the market conditions. This was particularly the case when the NSW Prices Minister decided to reduce the maximum price in 1949. This action led the PMB, in early 1950, to discuss the prospect of a High Court challenge to the price fixing The post-war period saw increased arrangements in NSW. adoption of mechanisation, such as this single row planter. Archives Office of Tasmania
30 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
Sale of irrigation equipment reached a record in 1955, boosted by adverts such as this one in the local papers.
Irrigation research began in the early Included in the changes was the 1950’s, following an overseas study gradual introduction of by A. C. Foster, the PMB’s Sydney- mechanisation in planting and based marketing officer at the time. harvesting. Field days of the mid Department of Agriculture trials in 1950’s saw imported harvesters with 1952 returned irrigated potato crop on-board bagging facilities yields almost double those of demonstrated to large groups of dryland crops. farmers. Even so, the greatest impact of harvest mechanisation at the time A record number of orders for spray was still the small tractor-drawn irrigation equipment were placed in lifters, with the potatoes bagged by 1955, with reports of some farmers hand by a ground crew. paying for their investment in one season. It was noted at the time that The introduction of the Ferguson the growing use of irrigation could ridger in 1953 saw a rapid change to result in water shortages in some sowing of potatoes in ridges, as areas, and “it seems certain that an opposed to the previous method of irrigation authority will be needed setting them in the furrow. finally.”37
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 31 The Post War Period 1946 - 1959
Mechanisation in potato planting and harvesting was reflected in advertisements such as these in the local newspapers. Note: These two advertisements occurred 12 years apart – 1947 (left) and 1959 (right).
By late 1959, changes were also afoot This start to “containerisation” of in the transport industry. The first trade was seen to offer a number of regular outward voyage of the advantages, including reduced Princess of Tasmania, in early handling damage during shipping. October 1959, carried a six ton truck load of potatoes for the Sydney So by the end of the post-war period, market. The objective of the exercise Tasmania’s potato industry had been was to try to reduce handling through considerable turmoil. From damage. After loading on the truck, shipping shortages to political unrest the potatoes were not handled again and high court challenges to further until unloading in Sydney. The issues with tuber quality that had potatoes arrived in very good been occurring since the early 1900’s. condition and attracted a premium More change was still to come. price, but freight costs were almost Mechanisation and irrigation were three times that paid for sea-freight. on the increase and within the next two decades, the market for Another effort at an alternative Tasmanian potatoes would undergo transport arrangement was made in a complete change. November 1959. This time, potatoes were de-bagged into a steel container that held about 2 tons of tubers.
32 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
Potato Production
400
350
300
250
200
150 Tonnes (000’s) 100
50
0
35 Potato Area
30
25
20
15
10 Hectares (000’s) 5
0
500 State Population
400
300
200 People (000’s)
100
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 33 From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
The fresh market export to Sydney had been the lifeblood of Tasmania’s potato industry for many decades.
However, the winds of change were little more than a gentle breeze coming across Bass Strait when, in 1961 Ray Kueneman of Simplot USA, suggested that processed frozen potatoes were a way of getting more potatoes on the plate! So, in 1962, 130 t of French fries were Russet Burbank was imported from manufactured at Ulverstone. Canada in the late 1960’s. The move to processing brought about many changes and challenges However, by the early 1970’s, the to the industry over the next need for Tasmanian fresh potatoes decades, and essentially saved the was declining and production for industry after the collapse of the the Sydney market fluctuated with Sydney markets. The processing the seasons. In a sense, a good year potato industry also facilitated the for fresh market growers depended introduction and uptake of new on someone else having a bad year. technology in Tasmanian potato The uncertainty in the fresh market growing, such as improved moved grower groups to suggest an irrigation and fertilisation, increased orderly marketing scheme mechanisation and developments in supported by legislation, which the producing pathogen tested seed. Potato Marketing Board (PMB) At first, many of the cultivars grown lacked. Over the following decade, at that time were found to be the hard work of many people unsuitable for French fry processing, yielded success and satisfaction, so the Department of Agriculture followed by dissatisfaction, commenced a search for a more bitterness and the demise of the suitable potato. They found that system. irrigated Kennebecs, planted By 1970, fresh potato exports had October onwards, produced the best shrunk to 11,000 tons 39. This tubers for processing. By the end of reduction led to a committed lobby the 1960’s, a virus free line of the group fighting for a share in the fabled Russet Burbank was imported rapidly shrinking export market in from Canada. This new variety was 1972. In 1974, the Potato Marketing included in the collection of Board (PMB) and the Tasmanian pathogen free cultivars being Farmers Federation (TFF) presented developed by the Department. a case for orderly marketing, based Even as these innovations were on quotas and price control, to the occurring, the fresh market Minister for Agriculture. He rejected continued to dominate production. the proposal, a move supported by In 1965-66, the export, local and seed the processors and the Merchants outlets required 86% of Tasmania’s Association. crop.
34 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
A member of the Legislative Council The glory days of the Sydney supported the proposal and markets were all but over. Tasmania suggested a grower poll. was now becoming known for its Meanwhile, the Opposition claimed processing potatoes and French fries. the industry was doomed if grower numbers continued to fall, noting The introduction of processing into that there were 2,180 growers in Tasmania had a flow on in boosting 1963, and 651 in 1973. various aspects of technology in potato production. Ultimately, the Potato Industry Authority Act (November 1977) The 1960’s saw major changes in created the Potato Industry irrigation with the use of aluminium Authority (PIA) which replaced the pipes in single lines. Although this PMB. The PIA began operations in was labour intensive, the rewards April 1978. There followed by a were gratifying. The next step was to period of confusion within the have dual lines, which allowed for industry, leading to a 1979 Board of relatively continuous watering. A Inquiry. This inquiry resulted in the down side to this practice was PIA ceasing operations and a new damage to the crop through the chairman being appointed. The moving of laterals and stands. By the Authority closed its doors in late 1970’s, travelling gun irrigators September 1982, unsuccessful in its were in use, and the sight of water attempt to secure safe markets and shooting into the air soon became a stave off the winds of change that regular a summer phenomenon. were coming with the rapidly When wind shifts occurred, blue- growing processing sector. green areas of unwatered crop were to be seen.
Travelling gun irrigators were in common use by the late 1970’s.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 35 From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
The clamp planter is now the most commonly used.
By the 1960’s, the hand planting This impacted on planter design, tools of trade – the set bag and super with the addition of facilities to bag - were being superseded by allow accurate placement of mechanical methods. The most fertiliser. Fertiliser technology was common planting mechanisms in the revolutionised in the early 1980’s early years of mechanisation were with the introduction of high the cup and needle planters. analysis fertiliser and application based on soil testing. However, today sees the clamp planter, a locally manufactured Today, manual handling of seed and success story from Dobmac, take the fertiliser is disappearing with the lead. Over the past 20 years, this advent of bulk supply and their local firm has supplied over 500 cartage straight to the paddock and potato planters to growers, not only the planter. in Tasmania, but also around the world. Continued research showed that lack of trace elements was seldom a The research to define the best problem for potatoes, but cadmium fertiliser regime for potatoes has from the rock phosphate used continued from the 1950’s to the during fertiliser manufacture raised current day. The insatiable capacity health concerns and resulted in the of the red soils to fix phosphorus led manufacture of low cadmium to the conclusion that band fertiliser blends. placement of phosphate fertiliser would produce superior results to broad casting.
36 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
With increasing production, the The next evolution was the need for more efficient harvesting introduction of European single row was essential in Tasmania’s potato harvesters with bunkers in the late industry. 1970’s. This marked the transition from bags to bulk handling of For over 150 years, the fork was the potatoes. only method available for harvest of potatoes. By the 1950’s, potato In the late 1990’s, small numbers of ploughs for lifting, and spinners that trailed twin row harvesters that rely swept away the mould, made their on chaser bins and off paddock appearance. Later that decade saw grading systems appeared. There the introduction of the twin row have also been a few examples of digger, still used today by some self-propelled twin row machines, small fresh market growers. both in the 1980’s and again in 2003. However, the single row bunker During the late 1960’s and early style machine remains the preferred 1970’s, harvesters appeared which harvester today. allowed grading and boxing or bagging of potatoes on the machine. This was the first move away from picking potatoes up by hand.
The single row bunker harvester is the most commonly used in Tasmania.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 37 From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
The need for superior seed in Tewkesbury was sold in 2000, Tasmania had been recognised since ending a significant era in the the early 1920’s when CEW Oldaker Tasmanian seed potato certification first selected stud plants. scheme.
The 1960’s saw a number of Further development at the biological techniques come together Department investigated the use of to improve seed quality. Firstly, heat hydroponic minituber production, therapy freed shoot tips from virus. which was capable of twenty fold Shoots were then grown aseptically increases in productivity. The in nutrient solutions to produce new technique has been improved by plants. industry and the University and is set to play an important role in the Those free of virus became stock future. plants that were checked for tuber borne fungal and bacterial problems. Although Tasmania, and other This technique was the beginning of States, had Seed Certification the stem cutting era started at the Standards for many years, it wasn’t Department laboratories. Stock tuber until 2001 that the States agreed on a cuttings were taken, and plants National Standard for the produced under mist conditions. Certification of Seed Potatoes to The resultant tubers were grown in ensure common quality standards isolation plots at Tewkesbury. across the nation.
As the pathogen free tubers became available, comparisons could be made - these plants were usually larger, greener and lived longer than their diseased counterparts. By mid 1970, this superior seed was available to industry.
The continuing search for superior cultivars led to investigations by the Department into tissue culture in 1986 as a means of rapidly producing mini tubers, in the 5-25g range, on a large scale. A full-scale minituber production facility was established at the Department’s Stoney Rise offices in 1988.
The success of the minituber production system, and the move by The Department first produced seed growers to produce all minitubers in 1986. generations of their planting stock, gradually reduced the need for Tewkesbury Potato Station as a seed production site.
38 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
The cutting of seed also underwent Other significant diseases present in big changes, from hand cutting, to the industry today include common cup cutters, to fully mechanised scab, pink rot, powdery scab, and large volume cutters. Local Rhizoctonia. machinery firms, ABBMAC and Dobmac, both imported seed cutting Common scab causes some of the machinery from the USA. Dale greatest losses in recovery for the Abblitt, founder of ABBMAC, processing sector, and has been in became a driving force for Tasmania at least as long as Irish improving the quality of cut seed. blight, with still no reliable Much of his knowledge was gained treatment available. Many of the in the USA, and he became such a other problems now have chemical recognised authority on seed cutting means of control, with most growers that he regularly ventured back to undertaking preventative spraying the USA to teach cutting techniques programs. to their operators.
Spraying of crops to control diseases dates back to the early 1900’s, when copper sprays were used to control Irish blight. However, the major developments in chemical control came after World War II, and didn’t really start to impact on the Tasmanian industry until the 1950’s. Common scab causes losses in This was the beginning of the agri- processing recovery. chemical era. However, early successes were followed by many Yield reductions due to viruses were problems, which ultimately led to the reason for the start of the the removal of products like DDT certified seed scheme in the 1930’s. and Dieldrin. In the early days of Such has been the success of the seed seed treatment, mercury compound scheme that viruses have been a dips were used for the control of minor issue for decades. However, skin borne seed diseases – a practice history is a powerful teacher, and that would no doubt be frowned continued vigilance is required due upon today. Before the widespread to the threat that viruses pose to the use of herbicides, crops were industry. harrowed down and re-moulded to achieve weed control through soil ‘The grub’ was an ever-present disturbance. threat to the fresh market growers of years gone by, as the impact of Most of the diseases that affect potato moth larvae on tubers could potatoes were observed in Tasmania quickly render them unfit for sale. th in the first 50 years of the 20 Even today, the industry still uses a century. Although Irish blight had a tried and true method of the past – a devastating impact in 1909, it is good covering of moist soil. uncommon now for crops to be lost to this disease.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 39 From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
Unlike the past, the modern potato While at times it may seem that production system is highly change comes slowly in the dependent on a wide range of agricultural sector, there have been manufactured chemicals to achieve at least two recent instances of rapid the high yields necessary to provide technological change in the potato a low priced product to the industry, the first to handling consumer. practices, the second to irrigation.
Despite the rapid decline of the fresh The need to minimise mechanical market in the 1970’s, and the damage has been important ever subsequent overwhelming since potatoes were exported from dominance of the processing sector, Tasmania. There was a major study the fresh market has had something of the causes of damage in the mid of a small renaissance in recent 1950’s with a lot of the blame years. levelled at handling on the wharves and ships40. However, for many There has always been a small band years, the humble potato has been of dedicated fresh market growers, treated as just that – hardly worthy but in the early 1990’s, gourmet of gentle and tender handling. The Dutch varieties such Symphonia, increased use of mechanical Royal Blue and Bintje were harvesters meant that growers had introduced to the consumer. to take more responsibility for Although there are many die hards reducing damage. dedicated to Pink Eyes, Bismarks and Brownells, these alternative Tuber damage has a significant varieties have given a renewed boost impact on recovery in French fry to the fresh market. The fresh manufacture. In 1991, McCains market sector now accounts for introduced ‘Russell Burbank’ to the some 20,000 t/y of Tasmanian potato industry, the personified potato production. whose job was to raise awareness of correct harvester settings and operation to reduce tuber bruising. This, combined with payments based on quality, was a great incentive for growers to adopt gentler handling practices.
The bruise free program led to one of the most successful and rapid changes in technology seen in the industry – the introduction of drop- side bins on trucks to reduce damage caused during bunker unloading.
Gourmet varieties are now popular for the fresh market.
40 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
Potatoes were first grown under centre pivot in Tasmania in 1995.
Irrigation has been an inescapable This was not the first pivot in the part of the industry since the State, but it started a revolution that realisation in the 1950’s that extra swept through the industry, even to water could provide substantial the north-west, once deemed yield benefits. While the travelling unsuitable for this type of system. gun irrigator found ready Linear move irrigators have now acceptance on the rolling hills of the entered the scene, and current major potato production areas, the estimates suggest 2,000 hectares of period over the late 20th and early potatoes are irrigated by these 21st centuries has seen another relatively new systems37. technological revolution in the industry. Hand in hand with the new irrigation technologies has come An industry group went to the USA improved monitoring of water in 1988 to investigate the use of requirements, and the potential for centre pivots, but felt they were accurate fertigation. unsuitable for the small undulating potato paddocks of Tasmania. With these new practices, the However, the move to grow industry is edging ever closer to the potatoes on the flat sandy soils of the elusive goal of 100 t/ha crops. north-east led to the first centre pivot used to irrigate potatoes being installed in 1995.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 41 From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
With all the changes in production So the processing factories in techniques and mechanisation, it Tasmania went from being would be remiss not to mention the government owned, to Australian triumphs and turmoils that have owned, and finally to being owned occurred in the processing sector by multinational companies. It is over the past 50 years. now a truly globalised industry and market. The change in ownership of the processing factories over the years is By the 1970’s Edgell-Birds Eye at a story in itself. All three processing Ulverstone had installed equipment plants were built during World War to supply instant mash potato and II and originally government owned. increased their requirements of raw After the war they were sold to material by 50%. various local and national companies and continued to process The susceptibility of the favoured food, including dehydrated Kennebec to powdery scab was vegetables and canned rabbits. noted in seed material at Tewkesbury Potato Station. This The production of French fries at disease was to cause heartache for Ulverstone in 1962 was done by the many growers in the following owners of the time, Gordon Edgell. years. This problem, along with the French fry processing didn’t come to superior processing attributes of Scottsdale until 1974 when Wattie Russet Burbank, lead to the Pict took over from Kraft foods and Kennebec’s eventual demise for built the processing line. Tasmania’s processing. third plant, at Smithton, didn’t process French fries until 1988, when By the middle of the 1970’s, the new owners, Canadian owned processing was absorbing some 50% McCain Foods installed a state of the of production and the fresh export art processing line. market was collapsing.
At this time, the Ulverstone and Scottsdale plants were owned by Australian companies and went under the Edgell-Birds Eye brand name. Whilst owned by Pacific Dunlop between 1991-1995, $40 m was spent on a new processing line at Ulverstone. However, in 1995, the business was sold to US owned JR Simplot and Co and renamed Simplot Australia. JR Simplot visited his antipodean purchase that year, and wanted to make his “new plants better and bigger”. French fries are an established part of the Australian diet.
42 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
Potatoes for processing have always The processing companies have been grown under contract. Whilst invested considerable money in bulk this offers some security of price for storage over the years as part of their growers, price negotiations are not strategy to ensure reliable supplies for the faint hearted, and many of processing potatoes year round, growers have contributed to this not just when the crop is being process over the past 30 years. harvested.
The Tasmanian Farmers and Fast food and eating out was Graziers Association (TFGA) Potato becoming part of Australian life. The Council supports growers in winds wafting cooking oil about the contract negotiations with processing towns signalled the processing companies. The TFGA provision of product to the two was formed in 1980 with the global fast food chains, McDonalds amalgamation of the Tasmanian and Kentucky Fried Chicken (now Farmers Federation and the KFC). Tasmanian Farmers, Stockowners and Orchardists Association, With three processing plants bringing Tasmania’s agricultural operating in the late 1980’s, the need industries together under a single for more raw material facilitated the umbrella. The TFGA is involved in start of potato production in the various aspects of rural policy and northern midlands. The Scottsdale supporting their members these plant contracted potatoes on the areas. sands and mixed duplex soils, which required a different irrigation and In the late 1970’s, the Scottsdale nutrient regime to the more factory was contracting around traditional red soils. Soon much of 20,000 t of potatoes annually to Scottsdale’s 40,000 t requirement produce French fries. Meanwhile, came from that region. Later, the expansion of processing was McCain Foods also sourced a further confirmed when two new substantial portion of its crop from stores of 3,500 t each brought the this region, to the extent that they total to 14,000 t, or about one third of built a store to supplement those at production. Smithton.
The late 1980’s saw potato production move into the midlands.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 43 From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
Moving into 1980, the State’s In the field, problems of hollow production increased to 130,000 t heart, a sporadic physiological and crops were grown on red soil defect, occurred in Russet Burbank the length and breadth of the north and added to the push to find coast. It was expected that Russet suitable alternative cultivars. Burbank would constitute 20% of the Common scab was causing havoc crop that year. By the end of the and resulted in complete crop 1980’s, the area cropped had rejection in some cases. Although increased by 30%, production by Shepody and Ranger Russet are 50%, average yield by 10% and the grown, Russet Burbank remains the contract price was $180/t. dominant processing cultivar.
Research and development in the Community angst arose over the potato industry underwent a major aerial application of blight sprays change during 1988 with the and the potential threats to health. introduction of a statutory levy Problems of wind erosion in the funded by growers and processors, northern midlands, and volunteer or which was matched with Federal weed potatoes in all areas, Government funds. This money was confronted growers. In addition, managed by the newly formed both processing companies Horticultural Research and introduced tighter quality controls Development Corporation (now on raw product. Horticulture Australia Limited) and continues to fund research and The industry underwent price and development projects for today’s tonnage reductions, but potato size industry. and bruise-free incentives were introduced. The mid 1990’s saw The 1990’s brought a strong potato prices become a contentious international focus to the industry issue, with the processing companies with the emergence of seeking reductions to enable the internationally owned companies as industry to compete on world the dominant players. markets, particularly in Asia.
The Ulverstone factory was Growers, who felt their livelihoods completely rebuilt whilst under its were threatened, were Pacific Dunlop ownership, bringing recommended to diversify as much its capacity up to 240,000 t/y, and a as possible. Price reductions were further 30,000 t of storage space was sometimes coupled with reduced provided. An export culture was tonnages and tough growing promoted, and the industry was seasons, and growers increasingly seen as part of the international turned away from independent scene. ownership of machinery, and sought to reduce costs through the use of An extensive bench marking exercise machinery rings and contractors. was conducted which included a This has particularly been the case comparison with production in New with harvesting machinery, which Zealand, USA, England and has seen a large turn-around in the Holland. last decade from dominant farmer ownership, to the widespread use of contractors.
44 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY From Fresh Market to Processing 1960 - 2003
The processing growers need for a In 2002, Simplot announced that the price rise came to a head in 2000 in a Scottsdale plant would close in joint meeting of representatives of December 2003, delivering a blow to grower groups from Victoria, South the north-east. The Dorset Australia and Tasmania. The Municipality has received support meeting set $30/t as the increase from Simplot, and State and Federal necessary to compensate for the Governments to create new previous decade’s decline in real initiatives in a community where income as a result of stagnant farm- about 130 of its work force will be gate prices. When an acceptable seeking new jobs. The 65,000 t amount could not be agreed on, production of the region will be growers formed an action group and transported to Ulverstone to utilise 400 of them blockaded the entrance the increased capacity recently of the McCains Smithon factory with installed. tractors and other vehicles. Today, both processing companies The action attracted national and are focussing on building grower international media attention. The relationships and have agronomic message about perceived inequity in initiatives aimed at improving crop prices between raw product and production and quality to maintain a French fries sold at fast food outlets vibrant industry. Both companies was taken into lounge rooms via the recognise the contribution that evening news. Growers eventually growers and other industry received an acceptable price. And so representatives have made through concluded a very French farmer annual award ceremonies. approach by Tasmanian potato growers to involve the public in their cause.
The Simplot Scottsdale factory, pictured here in 1956, will close in December 2003.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 45 46 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY The Last Word…
When Lt John Bowen’s landing party Along with the weather and the planted potatoes at Risdon Cove in markets, growers have faced pests 1803, it was a matter of survival. In a and diseases in the battle to establish land abundant with food that was and survive. While many lands have familiar to the local aborigines, but been enriched by the mass exodus of strange and daunting to the newly immigrants from Ireland as a result arrived settlers and convicts, the of the potato famine of 1845-50, the thought of a crop of potatoes must benefits of cultural exchange were have been very appealing. hardly foremost in the minds of Tasmanian growers when Irish From those very humble beginnings, blight hit in 1909, devastating the the potato has been inextricably industry. woven into Tasmania’s history over the last 200 years. Periods of boom As if that weren’t enough, crops of prices helped fuel the clearing of the era were riddled with virus forested lands to give access to the diseases. It took the foresight of fertile soils of the north-west coast. CEW Oldaker to appreciate the gains Years of depression saw potato that could be made through proper production slump in favour of selection of superior lines of dairying and other agricultural potatoes, and the benefits of a enterprises. controlled seed scheme to provide high quality seed. Tewkesbury With Hobart being the second Potato Station, south of Burnie, settlement established after the 1788 became the platform for the seed landing of the First Fleet at Botany scheme in 1933. In time, it too Bay, it was almost inevitable that the succumbed to the forces of change, agricultural productivity of Van finally being sold in 2000 as growers Diemans’ Land would be called on took on more of the tasks associated to feed the inhabitants of the with seed production. growing town of Sydney. Potatoes were among the earliest exports, and Before, during and after the two by 1827, crops were being grown world wars, coastal traders plied the specifically for the Sydney market. seas from the north-west coast to So began a long tradition in the Sydney, taking the famous Tasmanian industry, which lasted Tasmanian Brownells and Bismarks until the 1970’s, when the changing to eager customers. Despite their face of the industry saw the Sydney reputation, quality was an on-going market decline to a shadow of its issue for the industry all through the former self. Sydney trade era. It was a time of much debate on the pros and cons of orderly marketing, and the turmoils of the industry featured in the politics of the day.
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 47 The Last Word…
World War II introduced the Farming has never been an industry to an opportunity – the occupation suited to the idle. Horses, production of potatoes for single furrow ploughs, hand tools processing. This resulted in a 1945 and sweat laid the foundations of peak in production not equalled one of Tasmania’s most important until the end of the 20th century. agricultural industries. Although the industry returned to the Sydney trade after the war, the Throughout the development of advent of processing for French fries Tasmania’s potato industry, a great saw small changes take place in the deal of controversy has occurred and early 1960’s. Those small changes change has been ever present. The gradually grew, and with the demise efforts of thousands of people over of the Sydney fresh market in the the years have brought us to where 1970’s, Tasmania’s reputation we are today. switched to being a producer of What the future holds is anyone’s quality potatoes for French fries. guess. Only one thing is certain – The processing industry has grown just as change has been an integral to the point that some 400,000 t of part of the industry in the past, so potatoes have been grown for will it be in the future. The processing each year this century. challenges will not disappear - but The resulting 200,000 t of frozen there is no doubt that the people product is a far cry from the 130 t who make up the industry will rise first produced in the Ulverstone to the occasion as the need arises, as factory over 40 years ago. has happened so often in the past. It is, after all, people who have made the potato industry the success that it is today.
Collection, Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery; Archives Office of Tasmania; Devonport Maritime Museum; Archives Office of Tasmania.
48 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY Potato Yields 1830 - 2003
50
45
40
35
30
25
20 Tonnes/hectare 15
10
5
0 1830 1850 1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 Year
average yield 5 year moving average
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 49 Potato Yields 1830 - 2003
A look at the historical average These changes started to have the yields of potatoes helps tell the story most impact in the early 1960’s, of the industry. As growers would coinciding with the commencement know, the yield in any season is of production for processing. dependent on many factors, not least of which are the weather and the soil The increase in average yield since type. This was particularly the case that time has been dramatic, before the days of widespread particularly in the period from 1970 irrigation and fertiliser use. to 1990.
Because the average yield can vary Where to now? The State average considerably from year to year, it is yield sits around 45 t/ha, and has sometimes more useful to look at the done for some time. We know that trend in yield over time. The graph some growers, particularly on the above shows the average yield for north-west coast, regularly achieve each year from 1830 to the present, over 50 t/ha, and every season there with a 5-year rolling average yield are reports of small paddocks, or superimposed on the graph. The five parts of paddocks, which yield the year rolling average allows us to see grower 60, 70 or 80 t/ha. What is the the trends in average yield over potential to lift more crops to this time, and helps to smooth out the level? Can the State average get to 50 effects of particularly poor or good or 55 t/ha? ‘one-off’ years. These are questions for the next The first 80 years of the Tasmanian phase of the industry. In their industry saw the average yield start wildest dreams, the early settlers out not much above 5 t/ha, but could not possibly have imagined reaching about 10 t/ha by the start the industry as it is today. Neither of the 1900’s. Disaster struck with can we foretell the shape of the the Irish blight infestation of 1910, industry in another 200 years. Only followed by a rapid drop in average one thing is certain – it will be very yield. The effects of blight were different from how it looks today. widespread in the industry.
It took until the 1940’s for average yields to recover, and despite the massive levels of production during World War 2, the average yield was not much different from that of the early 1900’s. In fact, during the latter stages of the war, the total production of potatoes was similar to now, but the area under crop was four to five times larger.
It really took the introduction of irrigation and widespread adoption of artificial fertilisers to make a significant impact on average yields.
50 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY References
1. Fountain, PJ Tasmanian History of Potato Growing, Department of Agriculture, Tasmania, 1984
2. Historical Records of Australia, Volume 1, Series 3
3. Robson, Lloyd A History of Tasmania, Volume 1, Oxford University Press, 1983
4. Godwin, T Godwin’s Emigrants Guide to VDL, more properly called Tasmania, London, Sherwood, Jones and Co. 1823
5. Thomas, HA Sam Thomas and his Neighbours and their part in the Development of Port Sorell, Latrobe and Devonport.
6. Royal Society of Tasmania Papers, 1851
7. Baker, AD The Life and Times of Sir Richard Dry, The Eminent Tasmanian Statesman, Oldham, Beddome & Meredith P/L, Hobart, 1951
8. The Advocate, 21 July 1993
9. Journal of the Council of Agriculture, 1893
10. Journal of the Council of Agriculture, 1894.
11. The Weekly Courier, 4 February 1905
12. The Weekly Courier, 20 May 1905
13. The Advocate, 10 January 1906
14. The Weekly Courier , 19 August 1919
15. The Weekly Courier, 3 July 1919
16. The Weekly Courier, 24 July 1919
17. The Weekly Courier, 16 October 1919
18. Oldaker CEW, Tasmanian Journal of Agriculture, 1 February 1935
19. The Weekly Courier, 24 July 1919
20. The Advocate, 20 July 1926
21. The Advocate, 9 July 1926
22. Editorial, The Advocate, 27 August 1943
TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY 51 References
23. The Advocate, 21 January 1939
24. The Advocate, 31 May 1940
25. The Advocate, 17 August 17 1939
26. Prime Minister Mr Lyons March 1939
27. The Advocate, 7 March 1946
28. The Advocate, 26 June 1947
29. The Advocate, 3 February 1948
30. The Advocate, 9 February 1952
31. The Advocate, 24 July 1954
32. The Advocate, 4 March 1953
33. The Advocate, 21 January 1959
34. The Advocate, 26 June 1953
35. The Advocate, 4 September 1953
36. The Advocate, 26 January 1954
37. The Advocate, 9 November 1955
38. Conversation with Chris Thompson (Serve-Ag) and David O’Donnell (DPIWE)
39. Annual Report, Department of Agriculture, 1970
40. The Advocate, 6 July 1955
52 TASMANIA’S POTATO HISTORY DEPARTMENT of PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, WATER and ENVIRONMENT Proudly supported by