New Zealand Seed Potato Certification Scheme

Seed potatoes in New Zealand are certified by the New Zealand Seed Potato Certification Authority. The Authority is a subcommittee of Potatoes New Zealand Incorporated and members of the Authority are appointed by the Sub-committee and signed off by Potatoes New Zealand Board. Membership comprises of seed growers, merchant members, end users, process industry representatives, plus a Potatoes New Zealand Board member.

The Authority is a completely independent agent of the potato industry. The Authority establishes the seed potato certification rules, including disease tolerances, and has the task of ensuring seed potatoes are true-to-type. This is done internally by Potatoes New Zealand and by contracting organisations to manage various parts of the New Zealand Seed Potato Certification Scheme or to conduct inspections  to visually inspect crops in the field as well as tubers after harvesting.

Whilst membership of the New Zealand Seed Potato Certification Scheme is voluntary,  growers cannot sell certified seed potatoes (the kind of seed potatoes buyers want) without signing up to the programme, following its rules and undergoing its inspections.

Contact

If you have any questions, queries or comments regarding the New Zealand Seed Potato Certification Scheme, please Contact Potatoes New Zealand >>