Potato growers stop blockade of McCain factory

Australian potato growers have ended their blockade of the McCain Foods factory after an agreement was reached over this season's potato prices, reported ABC Online.

While there is a sense of relief among growers that the demonstration is over, none of them are completely satisfied with the final result.

After days of demonstration and lengthy negotiations, Ballarat McCain Growers Group representatives emerged from the McCain factory late in the afternoon looking disappointed and exhausted.

They say the final offer for this season's produce was the same price as last year with some concessions to assist with poor growing conditions.

The group's spokesperson Ross Dimond says McCain offered $300 a tonne for russet burbank potatos and $290 for the McCain grade one variety, around $10 less than their asking price.

But he says McCain has agreed to pay for smaller potatoes this season.