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What we grow / Vegetables / Potatoes
Potatoes grow well in Tasmania’s rich well drained soils. Quality is enhanced with access to clean irrigation water and slow growing seasons.
Tasmania produces 31% of national potato production and is the second largest producer. Total value of Tasmania production is approximately $253 million.
The Tasmanian potato industry comprises three sectors: processing, fresh and seed. The large majority (80%) of production flows into the frozen chip market, 10% is supplied for the fresh market and 10% to seed.
In the fresh potato industry there have been newer varieties introduced via direct and exclusive arrangements with international breeders, as well as some growing interest in ‘heritage’ varieties offering distinctive taste, flavour and use characteristics.
While the majority of Tasmania’s production volume is supplied by larger grower operations, there are a number of smaller growers who produce potatoes exclusively or on a crop rotational basis. Growers sell to two large processing facilities as well as fresh packing companies.
Trade data
Main harvest season
October–July
Potatoes are harvested in these months but available year round
Main varieties
Russet Burbank, Nicola, Atlantic, Ranger Russet, Dutch Creams, Mayflower, Sebago, Kennebec and Pink Eye
Key markets
- Local (yes)
- Domestic (processing and fresh) (yes)
- Export (no)
Total production volume of Tasmanian potatoes 2020/21
457,032MT
Estimated value of Tasmanian potato production (AUD)
$253M
Trade data source
Pest Free Area status
Being a remote island surrounded by water and aided by a robust biosecurity system, Tasmania remains free from many plant-related pests and diseases. This freedom means our produce can be exported with minimal, if any, phytosanitary treatment.
Major growing regions around the island
Tasmanian potatoes are grown predominantly in the North West, Central North West, North East, Northern Midlands and South East regions of the state.
Import pathways for potatoes from Tasmania
Tasmania’s relative pest free status offers trade opportunities for importing countries seeking access to Tasmanian grown produce.
This information is extracted from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry’s Manual of Importing Country Requirements which is frequently updated. Please validate this information before proceeding further.
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Open without restriction
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
The importing country has no phytosanitary restrictions for entry into the market.
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Open with preferential conditions
- Indonesia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
Open to Tasmania, without requiring any phytosanitary treatment.
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Open with conditions
- Thailand
Open to Tasmania but requires some phytosanitary treatment.
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No existing pathway
- Cambodia
- China
- European Union
- India
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- United States
No arrangements have been developed to make trade between the two countries possible, or trade is currently not allowed.
Matured by slow growing seasons.