Agronico is a proud family owned business, based in the small Tasmanian town of Spreyton.

Agronico was formed in 1985 by agronomist Julian Shaw (BAgrSc) who with 9 years prior experience working for Glaxo Smith Kline in the development of effective weed control in the poppy industry in Tasmania identified the need for independent agronomy advice. The company began as a consultancy business, providing advice to growers, but early on there was a noticeable need for a research division to solve technical problems. By the early 1990’s Agronico had grown to 10+ employees and 2 divisions and were steadily increasing contracts with growers and agri-business across the state.

In 1997 Agronico’s R&D team started running trials on hydroponic potatoes. These trials indicated the method had the potential to improve the efficiency of potato propagation. These trials were supported in 2001 with an AusIndustry grant for innovation. Another major AusIndustry supported research project looked at developing processes for production of high quality predictable seed potato tubers, which formed the bases for the development of a successful seed potato production business.

The company has seen significant growth in the last 5 years and now has in addition 19 full time employees, over 20 casual employees involved in the potato grading and packing operation, and produces nearly a quarter of a million minitubers and 8,000 tonnes of seed potatoes.

With a state of the art factory and cool store opened in July 2017, and an extension in 2019 Agronico is well positioned to increase varieties and quantities into the future.