SUGGESTIONS for a better deal for VEGETABLE GROWERS

Esp labeling

1. Join a blog or make your own . esp local networks get plenty of good info and publish the BEST on a blog ( good on you BLOGGER!)
2. Promote consumer choice system that works – color coding Bright Green for Australian
3. Don’t rely on farmers groups – farmers are too busy trying to make a living . start your own groups
4. Start your own groups do somethingsimple ask people to ask their favourite chip shop gets its spuds . Soon the whole country will know
5. Enjoy CHOICE eg FAT chips are better for YOU .

Your Choice – better Chips, better health, better Country

1. LABELLING with COLOR CODE . Labelling is a good idea , BUT make it easy !!!!. Maybe use bright green paper as a background color code ie green for fresh Australian . ( mandatory) That way its KISS and don’t need to worry about symbols or codes just use green paper backing and ask supermarkets s to standardize around it

2. START Consumer choice groups.

3. How’s this for starters ( Happened in our own town when we did our homework )

a. The best chip shop in town uses local varieties which cook well but are not long in shape( French fry variety) but chip better than many . That is , They are the more traditional round ones . not from NZ

b. This shop cooks em so well that nearly all shops in town plus nearby coastal ones NOW use his supplier ( MARVEL only use Australian ) .The shops didn’t do this before !

c. A local consumer group can like others, promote the facts http://otwaysonline.blogspot.com

d. The local promotion is “fat chips =less fat “

e. Local chip shops here are very competitive and very good ----not only that

f. The fat chips are far better for you . ( that is French fries may be on the way out in some quarters)

----Try em out next time you are in town

----Ask your favorite chip shop - where do your spuds come from?-----local ? even what variety ?

BACKGROUND –THE POTATO Southern Australia only . Cool climate vegetable .

This info is not complete . please advise us of any errors

Fried .The long smooth shape , low blemish varieties increasingly chosen to get long chips and reduce wastage .

Boiled .Established Vic varieties compete very well in this niche providing competitive offers in market place . Varieties like Sequoia which are good for both chips and boiling have an advantage as consumers not well educated and may be easily disappointed with a variety they use for wrong thing . Another reason to push for BETTER LABELLING

Secondary industry – The processors

Simplot (40%) and Mc Cains 55% are main processors - Small suppliers in Victoria Marvel Readymeals Hallam