WA potato industry deregulated

Western Australia's potato industry no longer faces heavy regulation after the state government passed legislation to remove 70-year-old restrictions.

The industry deregulation involves winding up the Potato Marketing Corporation of WA by the end of the year and a $14 million grower adjustment package, which includes a $2 million industry development plan.

Agriculture and Food Minister Dean Nalder said deregulation of WA's potato industry was a win-win for the agricultural sector and consumers.

"Deregulation is all about providing growers with greater choice and flexibility to pursue a wider range of markets and value-adding opportunities," he said.

"There is also an additional benefit to consumers, who will now have access to a wider choice of potatoes."

WA was the only state that regulated the potato market, with the corporation determining who could grow potatoes, what varieties could be grown and how many could be planted.