Potato farmers blockade processor

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2001
Potato farmers blockade processor

More than 300 Tasmanian potato farmers have blockaded multinational vegetable processor
McCain's factory at Smithton with trucks and tractors.

Protest leader RICHARD BOVILL says the unprecedented action in support of a $30 a tonne
price rise was bigger and better than he expected.

He says two rows of farm machinery completely blocked the factory and spilled to the
outskirts of the little northwestern Tasmanian town.

Mr BOVILL says while no attempt has been made to stop McCain staff coming and going,
no produce would be allowed in or out of the factory.

A police spokesman in Smithton says the protest has been orderly, with no incidents.

The farmers will hold a mass meeting at lunchtime to decide their next moves in the
long-running battle for better prices for their potatoes.

Their next target is expected to be Simplot, the other big processor.

AAP RTV dw/klw

KEYWORD: POTATO (HOBART)

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