Big carrot processor invests in north-west Tas

One of Australia's largest carrot growers will set up a multi-million dollar facility in north-west Tasmania, providing a much needed jobs boost in the area.

The Latrobe Council has approved Western Australian carrot producer Sumich's plans to build a $3.5 million processing plant at East Devonport.

It will increase their annual Tasmania crop from 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes.

The site will employ about 60 people.

The company says access to new irrigation water was a major incentive to invest in the area.

Chris Oldfield from Tasmanian Irrigation says its a boost for the state.

"They grow carrots in Western Australia for 12 months a year, but during the summer months their quality drops off and they believe by substituting Western Australian production with Tasmanian production they can maintain their quality and then maintain their markets," he said.

Source: ABC News, 17 July 2013