As we close out the year and look towards 2026, there’s genuine cause for optimism in our industry. Despite the challenges – and yes, there are plenty – we’ve made significant strides in areas that will shape our future for decades to come. Most encouragingly, we’ve taken some positive steps forward in attracting new talent…
James Bowan was “born into potatoes”, growing up on Fallgate Farm near Orari. South Canterbury, which his parents Raymond and Adrienne bought in 1975. James, who now manages the growing side of the operation, spanning just over 1,400 hectares, inherited Raymond’s passion for potatoes and that’s passed on to the next generation too. “I used…
Christmas Message from Potatoes New Zealand Chair As we come to the close of 2025, on behalf of Potatoes New Zealand I would like to extend our genuine thanks to all potato growers, Trade and Associate members as well as stakeholders for your ongoing support, dedication, and partnership throughout the year. Your resilience, innovation, and…
As we reach the end of another busy year, it’s a great time to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and progress we’ve made together across the potato industry. December brings the start of summer and the busy growing season — it is also a chance to celebrate our work, enjoy time with whānau, and look…
Last month Potatoes New Zealand hosted the annual New Zealand Certified Seed Potato Grower meeting in Methven. I want to acknowledge the vital work of our seed potato growers, who supply the high quality, certified planting material that underpins the entire potato industry while managing significant on-farm challenges. The meeting offered a forum to share…
Potatoes New Zealand is saddened to learn of the postponement of the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event, following the recent severe weather that has impacted the region. As a proud sponsor of the Potatoes Powering Performance team – Onya Bike 1.5, that had entered this national event, Potatoes New Zealand had…
Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) (PTM) can be a significant pest of potato crop production particularly in the upper North Island and under ideal conditions can result in substantial crop losses estimated at up to 40%. Hot, dry weather conditions over the growing period favours insect development along with field cracking of the soil surface…
As we move into November, there’s plenty happening across the potato industry. With planting underway or nearly finished in many regions, growers are focused on setting the season up for success, while our team at Potatoes New Zealand continues to work on research, advocacy, and activities to support the industry. Quick Links Website SpotlightWebinarEventsWeather Learning,…
In September 2025, Potatoes New Zealand’s Paula Lleras had the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands “the heart of potato innovation”, to attend Potato Europe in Lelystad, visit Wageningen University and Research, as well as take part in the Potato Business School (PBS) in Emmeloord. It was an inspiring trip full of fresh ideas, valuable…
Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarships HortNZ and the Horticentre Trust are offering scholarships to students who have a special interest in the fruit and/or vegetable industry and are studying towards an undergraduate degree. Sixteen Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarships are available to students studying in 2026. The Horticulture New Zealand Scholarship allows successful applicants to attend the 2026 Horticulture…