Potato farmer Haig Colombera joined the Potato Growers Association Committee of Management in 2024 and recently sat down to share his spud story with us.

Q How long have you been in the potato industry, and how did it all begin?

A I started working full-time on the farm in 2014, however, I’ve been around farming my whole life. I grew up on the farm so you could say I have been a part of the industry since I was a kid.

Q What roles have you performed over the years?

A I have done pretty much everything on the farm. It‘s just my dad and me, so we handle everything ourselves, from planting to harvesting.

We grow two crops a year in Jindong, one in summer and one in winter, so there is work to do. I also recently joined the Potato Growers Association to get more involved in the industry.

Q Any personal links to the industry and farming in general?

A Being a third-generation farmer, my family has been growing potatoes for as long as I can remember. We are very passionate about the potato industry, it’s all we know!

Q Can you share with us some of your earliest memories or experiences related to the potato industry in Western Australia? How have you seen the industry evolve over the years?

A I’ve been around potatoes since I was little. I used to help my Dad and Pop with everything from setting up irrigation, driving tractors and harvesting. Back then, things were simpler, and we only grew a few varieties. Now, we grow around 14 different types each year.

Q Over the years, what significant changes have you witnessed within the Western Australian potato industry, in terms of cultivation practices, technology, or market trends?

A We’re still learning, but we always try to be as efficient as we can with growing our potatoes. We’re also looking into drones for spraying, which has become more popular in other WA areas. It seems like its a good way to save money and helps with the crops, so we’re interested to see if it works for us too.

Q Potatoes have been a staple food for generations. How has consumer demand and perception of potatoes changed during your time in the industry?

A I think we have done a good job marketing potatoes here in WA. They used to have a bad reputation as being the unhealthy option, but that‘s changing with the introduction of low-carb varieties. The younger generation is becoming more creative in how they use potatoes and are incorporating them into their diets more. Its encouraging to see this shift in perception.

Q Could you recount any challenges or obstacles that the Western Australian potato industry has overcome throughout the years? How did these challenges shape the industry’s development?

A Aside from climate, the biggest challenge we face is the rising cost of production, we’re still getting paid what we did 15 years ago, but our costs have nearly doubled in that time. With such slim margins, one crop failure could almost spell the end of the business. Every year, more growers are leaving the WA potato industry, and that‘s a worrying trend.

Q From your perspective, what role do local farmers and growers play in the success of the Western Australian potato industry? Are there any particularly inspiring stories you could share?

A Local growers are really important because we provide fresh WA potatoes to supermarkets and restaurants all year round. We can do this because there are different regions in WA where we can grow potatoes, so we‘ve always got a supply.

Q The magazine focuses on recipes and cooking tips. Could you share a memorable anecdote about a specific potato dish or recipe that holds significance to you? What is your favourite way to eat potatoes?

A My favourite way to enjoy potatoes is fresh from the paddock — cut into chips, seasoned with sea salt and tossed into the air fryer. It‘s a staple at our dinner table most nights. Simple but delicious!