ON-FARM

Funds to be distributed to potato growers

WA Government to return more than $650,000 to potato growers

Kristy Moroney

This article is 8 years old. Images might not display.

The funds are a combination of recovered Potato Marketing Corporation legal funds and court costs paid to the State Government by Galati Nominees Pty Ltd.

The McGowan Government has this week written to 74 Western Australian potato growers offering to return their share of more than $650,000 now available from settled legal actions.

All Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) funds, including those in a legal fund levied to pursue action against the Galati companies, were vested to the State Government when the PMC was abolished on December 31, 2016.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced $484,316 recovered from the legal trust fund would be distributed back to growers, along with the $200,000 of costs paid by Galati Nominees.

An allocation calculation established by the Potato Marketing Corporation prior to its abolition has been used to ensure fair distribution of funds, based on market entitlements and levels of damages claimed.

WA Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the distribution of these funds brings to an end the saga of the Potato Marketing Corporation, ensuring a fair distribution of remaining levies and cost payments.

"The McGowan Government has drawn a line under the era of regulation of the potato industry and at the same time ensured a fair distribution to growers, many of whom continue to suffer losses as a result of tomato potato psyllid market access issues,” Minister MacTiernan said.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Auto Drafters (June 2026)

This month's Research Report includes an in-depth look at five popular sheep auto drafters complemented by several Case Studies of producers using the drafters to improve their livestock management.

editions

Research Report: High Horsepower Tracked Tractors (May 2026)

Kondinin Group researchers Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli have inspected some of the latest high-horsepower, articulated, fixed-frame and twin-tracked tractors for this month's Research Report. It's all about getting power to the ground.

editions

Research Report: Mother Bins (April 2026)

Mother bins are an important part of on-farm grain logistics. This Research Report details 10 brands including locally-made and imported models with capacities up to 300 tonnes.

editions

Research Report: Diesels Duke It Out (March 2026)

Kondinin Group's Ben White, Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Jenna Santos spent a few days evaluating four of the latest 4WD diesel utes for this month's Research Report.