Agricultural excellence under threat

Tasmanian Labor
  • Innovative Tasmanian businesses remain at risk from potato imports
  • Hundreds of jobs tied to $400 million potato industry
  • Liberals fail to protect the interests of an industry they claim to support
  • The innovation and investment of Tasmanian agricultural businesses remains at risk from the Liberal Government’s decision to allow the import of potatoes from South Australia.

    Labor Leader Rebecca White said businesses like Daly Potatoes stand to lose from the poorly-considered decision.

    “On the International Day of Rural Women, we recognise the important role women play in enhancing agricultural and rural development in Australia and across the world.

    “Here at home, farmers like Susie and Ruby Daly are considering how the potential for South Australian imports may threaten the business their family has built in Tasmania.

    “Susie and Gerard Daly are the Australian Farmers of the Year, an award that recognises the ingenuity and innovation they have demonstrated, along with their children, in building a thriving family business.

    “The significant investment in their business could be at risk because of the import decision, along with many others in Tasmania’s $400 million potato industry.

    “The Liberal Government’s decision to allow South Australian potatoes into Tasmania puts at risk the jobs of farmers, packers and processors.

    “This government says it supports our agricultural sector, but this reckless import decision puts at risk everything the potato industry needs to thrive – disease free status, brand excellence and the ability to confidently pursue export markets.”

    Rebecca White

    Labor Leader

    /Public Release. View in full here.