Australians brace for a hot chip shortage following weeks of torrential rain

Australians are bracing for a potential hot chip shortage following weeks of severe weather conditions.

The Victorian Farmer’s Federation says the region’s growers are preparing for a “challenging season.”

The crucial growing period has been shortened by six weeks, due to the state’s recent wet and wild weather.

Typically, potatoes are planted around late October to November. This year, the season’s extreme weather will only allow planting to begin from December.

On top of this, farmers say rising costs of fuel and fertiliser as well as a tough labour market are making it difficult to get ahead.

There are now concerns this will be the final nail in the coffin for many of the industry’s biggest suppliers. Many of whom are fed up with the challenging conditions.

There are reports many growers have downsized their farms, planting fewer acres of crops.

Owners of fish and chip stores say they’re already seeing a price hike, with a 15 kilogram box rising from from $31 to about $41.

They are being told is that there are no potatoes in Victoria and the suppliers have to source from other parts of the nation and the world.

Consumers are being urged to buy their chips from outside of major supermarkets if possible to help sustain the industry.