‘One of the hardest’: Drought conditions in South Australia cause spud shortage across the country

Unusual weather conditions have damaged potatoes in South Australia, with farmers warning that the conditions are leading to a shortage of one of the country’s most popular vegetables.

The state is responsible for approximately 80 percent of all potato production in the country, and production levels have decreased significantly due to several unseasonably dry months.

In fact, some supermarkets expect shelves to be empty for the next few weeks.

Mitolo Family Farms is the country’s largest potato producer, bringing approximately 200,000 tons of vegetables to families each year.

But things look quite different this year as dry drought conditions are triggering one of the worst seasons ever for farmers.

Rainfall totals for those living in South Australia this year were particularly low; Average September rainfall fell to the lowest 30 percent of all Septembers since 1900.

The dry season caused quality problems such as cold cracking, harvest damage and skin staining due to the cold and rainy conditions following high temperatures.

“Skin blemishes have resulted in some potatoes becoming unsellable or not meeting specifications to be packaged for retail customers,” said John Tselekidis, president of sales and marketing for Mitolo Family Farms.

“We experienced a 10 to 12 percent decline in yields, which had far-reaching negative impacts on the market.

“There are serious shortages because not only us, but all fresh market suppliers grow in similar areas.”

He said this season has been “one of the toughest” in the last decade.

Shortages across the country

Although Mitolo Family Farms is one of the main potato producers in the country, other producers have also been affected by the adverse conditions.

While most of the potato shortage is being felt in South Australia, a Woolworths spokesman said other states including Queensland, Victoria, NSW and the ACT were also experiencing brutal weather conditions.

Much of Victoria, parts of NSW and inland Queensland also experienced one of the driest Septembers since 1900, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

“Across much of Victoria, particularly the central region around Melbourne, July to September rainfall was below average (the lowest 30 per cent of rainfall in July to September since 1900),” the report said.

Potato stocks are decreasing on the shelves

The decline in potato levels has led to shortages on supermarket shelves.

Customers noticed signs appearing warning of shortages and changes in the appearance of the potatoes.

Speaking to NewsWire, a Woolworths spokesperson said the supermarket had experienced a significant drop in potato levels despite having an “adequate” supply of potatoes for shoppers.

“Drought conditions in South Australia from late 2024 and frosts earlier this year have had some impact on yield growth and the outlook for some potatoes,” they said.

“It’s also not uncommon to see some supply constraints this time of year as we approach seasonal transition windows.”

This is also affecting stock levels at Coles, which says there is a nationwide potato shortage due to a “national seasonal slump”.

As the supermarket waits for this season’s crop to finish, there has been a decline in new potatoes ready for harvest.

Are potatoes safe to eat?

Even though the potatoes don’t look very nice, the potatoes taste just as delicious as before.

Signs in supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths warned customers of the changing appearance of potatoes and the decreasing number of potatoes available to buy.

“We are working with growers to return to normal supply and although appearance is affected they still have the same great taste,” one sign read.

How long will the famine last?

Fortunately, the famine is not expected to continue for much longer.

Mr Tselekidis said the ongoing famine would last another month despite the fast-approaching harvest season.

“There has been widespread shortage from the end of August until today and will continue for at least another three or four weeks,” he said.

Shoppers will soon feel relief, too, with a Coles spokesperson telling NewsWire that supplies are expected to be collected again “in the next week or so.”

A Woolworths spokesman said customers could expect a return to spud levels “in the coming weeks as we transition to new season supply”.