Last updated on October 22, 2025
No, it was not allowed—until recently. Western Australia once had a law restricting the possession of more than 50 kilograms of potatoes without a permit, but that law was repealed in 2021, ending one of the country’s quirkiest agricultural regulations.
The Great Potato Cap: A Legal Oddity Rooted in Regulation
It sounds like a punchline, but for decades, Western Australia enforced a law that made it illegal to possess more than 50 kilograms of potatoes without proper authorization. This wasn’t a joke—it was part of the Marketing of Potatoes Act 1946, a piece of legislation designed to regulate the production and distribution of ware potatoes (those sold for consumption, not seed or processing).
The law empowered the Potato Marketing Corporation of Western Australia to control who could grow, sell, and transport potatoes. If you were caught with more than 50 kilograms without a permit, you could be fined—and yes, inspectors were authorized to stop vehicles and check for excess spuds.
Why Regulate Potatoes?
The rationale behind the law was economic. The government aimed to stabilize the potato market, protect local growers, and prevent oversupply. By controlling production and distribution, the Corporation could manage prices and ensure consistent quality. This kind of regulation wasn’t unique to potatoes—similar systems existed for other agricultural products in Australia and abroad.
But over time, the potato law became a symbol of outdated bureaucracy. Critics argued it stifled competition and innovation, and the public increasingly viewed it as absurd. The infamous “potato limit” even made headlines internationally, drawing attention to Australia’s peculiar produce policing.
The End of the Potato Police
In 2016, the Western Australian government passed the Marketing of Potatoes Amendment and Repeal Act, which began the process of dismantling the Corporation and its powers. The final repeal took effect on 22 May 2021, officially ending the 75-year-old law. From that day forward, Western Australians were free to hoard potatoes to their heart’s content—no permits required.
The repeal marked a shift toward deregulation in agriculture, aligning Western Australia with broader national trends favoring market-driven approaches. It also brought relief to growers and distributors who had long chafed under the restrictions.
So, Can You Stockpile Spuds Now?
Absolutely. Today, there is no legal limit on how many potatoes you can own in Western Australia. Whether you’re prepping for a massive mash-a-thon or just really love fries, the law won’t stand in your way.
Still, the story of the potato cap remains a fascinating chapter in Australia’s legal history—a reminder that even the humblest vegetable can be at the center of serious regulation.
See more on Australia
Sources
Marketing of Potatoes Act 1946
https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/mainmrtitle571homepage.html
2021-05-22
Marketing of Potatoes Amendment and Repeal Act 2016
https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/prod/filestore.nsf/FileURL/mrdoc29118.pdf/$FILE/Marketing%20of%20Potatoes%20Amendment%20and%20Repeal%20Act%202016%20-%20%5B00-00-01%5D.pdf?OpenElement
2016-09-12