Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025
Matt and Heidi Hart from Pye Group’s Longlane Farm have been recognised as champions of sustainable agriculture, taking home the prestigious Sustainability Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025.
The Canterbury farmers were honoured for their groundbreaking approach to sustainable practices at the biannual awards ceremony, which coincides with the Potatoes New Zealand Conference and celebrates growers’ exceptional achievements across the potato industry.
Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive Kate Trufitt praised the strong competition for this year’s sustainability award, attributing it to the widespread commitment amongst New Zealand’s potato growers to embrace sustainability in its fullest sense – encompassing the three pillars of environmental, social and economic sustainability.
“The level of innovation and dedication we’re seeing from growers like Matt and Heidi Hart demonstrates the industry’s genuine commitment to sustainable practices,” Kate said. “Their approach exemplifies how modern agriculture can be both environmentally responsible and economically viable.”
The Hart family has transformed 890-hectare Longlane Farm into a sustainable mixed cropping and lamb finishing operation since Matt began managing it in 2003. Owned by Leighton and Michelle Pye, the property dedicates 25 percent to vegetable production (potatoes, juicing carrots, peas) and the remainder to cereals and ryegrass.
The Harts employ data-driven management using soil moisture probes and variable rate fertilisation to optimise resource use. Their innovative practices include nature strips for natural pest control, reducing pesticide dependence, plus cover crops and minimal tillage to improve soil structure and water retention.
Beyond environmental improvements, they prioritise staff wellbeing through comprehensive fatigue management, safety policies, and positive workplace culture. Investment in training empowers their team’s contributions.
Regular consultation with external experts ensures continuous improvement in sustainable practices. This collaborative, innovative approach increases production whilst contributing to more resilient, environmentally friendly agriculture.
The Sustainability Award recognises growers, suppliers, or researchers who have made significant strides in sustainable practices, from soil health improvements to water conservation initiatives. It forms part of the broader Potato Industry Awards programme, which aims to promote excellence within New Zealand’s potato industry whilst raising public awareness of the value, versatility, and benefits of potatoes.
The awards also serve to encourage environmentally responsible practices and solutions that enhance both the potato industry and horticulture sector more broadly, whilst highlighting the expertise of local potato growers and their vital role within their communities.
“It’s so important to recognise the effort and investment that New Zealand’s potato growers dedicate to sustainable practices,” Kate says. “But we cannot do it alone. For the sustainability of our sector, we need the support of the Government to reduce unnecessary and unworkable compliance burdens and to recognise the importance of growing food for New Zealanders.”
New Zealand’s potato industry continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable agriculture, with growers like the Harts setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship whilst maintaining economic viability. Their recognition at the 2025 awards underscores the industry’s commitment to practices that benefit the planet, people, and profitability.