Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed Victorian State Government approval for the establishment of a $300 million food manufacturing plant in Dooen.
Farm Frites specialises in frozen potato products. It supplies many takeaways, pubs, clubs, and fast-food restaurants, including KFC and Hungry Jacks.
Its 24-hour plant at Dooen's Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub will create 250 new local jobs.
Once operational in 2027, it will have capacity to process up to 250,000 tonnes of Australian-grown potatoes every year.
"We are thrilled at the announcement by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson, and we're looking forward to welcoming Farm Frites to our region," said Acting Mayor Brian Klowss.
"This is a huge tick of approval for our agricultural community. It will support Australian farmers, create jobs for local workers, and offer training and career opportunities for students.
"We are extremely grateful to the State Government for their support of our agricultural industries, and their recognition of the crucial role our region plays in domestic and export food supply chains as a huge contributor to food security."
Farm Frites is one of the main potato growers and seed potato breeders in the world. It supplies potato products to over 100 countries from its factories in Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Egypt.
The Dooen plant will be its first in the southern hemisphere – a major coup for Horsham Rural City – highlighting its proud agricultural history and excellent transport connections.
Farm Frites Australia General Manager Kieran Prestidge said he was delighted the company was establishing its first Australian production plant in the Wimmera.
"Dooen is perfectly located between the best growing regions in Australia and has excellent road and rail links, which will help us put more Australian produce on plates and tables all around the country," said Mr Prestidge.
The new food processing facility was granted planning permit approval under the Victorian State Government's Development Facilitation Program, which expedites planning decisions for eligible projects that will inject investment into the Victorian economy.
