A farmer has revealed he gets paid 60 cents for 1kg of peas - which were selling for $5.79 at the local Pak’n’Save.

This has prompted questions about where the extra margin goes, especially following the planned closures at McCain and Watties.

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says it's unclear where the $5.79 figure came from.

"It's certainly not easy, and I think that's what we're seeing with McCain and Watties - it's pretty tragic news." 

LISTEN ABOVE

• 'Massive failure': McCain factory to shut in 2027
• 'Only way forward': Heinz Wattie’s to shut plants and exit key product lines
• Heinz Wattie's plans to shut three factories, 350 jobs at risk