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 to the industry. The reinvigorated Young Grower of the Year in Canterbury, alongside our continued support for the Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year event, which has brought fresh energy and enthusiasm that’s been inspiring to witness.
The Potatoes New Zealand Youth Council is playing a crucial role in representing this next generation, fostering growth and encouraging the leadership that will drive innovation in the years ahead.
Investing in what matters
Earlier this spring, we published our Annual Report, detailing where the levy goes and what Potatoes New Zealand has delivered for growers. We’re working hard to keep costs efficient and ensure every grower sees value in return – through advocacy, market development, field walks, trials and conferences that provide access to the latest research, practical insights and peer networking. Our vital services in seed certification and biosecurity continue to underpin industry success.
Positive start for 2026 crop
Hopefully we’ve seen the end of the erratic spring conditions, which has made finding planting days tricky. Despite the weather it seems Canterbury has performed well.
Roger Blyth from Seed & Field reports that planting has been relatively smooth. Seed performed well in the ground despite some initial moisture concerns, and whilst a slightly cooler spring meant plant growth took a bit longer than expected, crops are now accelerating quickly. It’s looking good, though Roger is quick to add there’s still a long way to go to get potatoes into the shed.
On the pest management front, aphid pressure, whilst significant across all crops, remains well managed with appropriate programmes. Psyllid pressure has been low – the first signs only appearing recently with nothing yet on commercial crops.
Roger also notes that while we’ve come a long way in better understanding psyllid and Liberibacter over the last five years, we’re still learning about this pest. It’s great to see the psyllid coming into an Integrated Pest Management focus as part of the Canterbury Potato Liberibacter Initiative.
Speaking to Potatoes New Zealand chair Paul Olsen, it’s clear the North Island has also had issues with the unsettled weather, with spring planting running a little behind schedule. As I write, some growers are still planting in Manawatū. This may be reflected in next year’s harvest timing depending on the season ahead, but growers are adapting as they always do.
Market realities and opportunities
We’re realistic about market conditions. Margins have tightened, with our Annual Report detailing fresh potato sales values down 11.7 percent and volumes by 11.2 percent. The domestic market has faced pricing pressure, and even process growers are contending with falling consumption. Export prices have remained relatively subdued since February and March, with consumption in Fiji down slightly.
However, there are bright spots. The surge in crisp exports demonstrates that opportunities exist for those who can adapt to changing market demands. This isn’t the time to lose heart – it’s the time to double down on innovation and efficiency.
A note of thanks
This year we bid farewell to Iain Kirkwood, who has retired and joined the grey nomad community. We thank Iain for his positive contribution to Potatoes New Zealand and to the wider horticulture industry. Throughout his career I know he has had a significant impact on horticulture here and across the Tasman and we wish him all the best in this next chapter.
As we head into the new year, let’s stay laser-focused on the big-ticket items – growing our markets, investing in innovation, and ensuring long-term resilience for our industry.
You’ve always got to look forward. While we don’t expect a silver bullet in the short term, the investments we’re making in innovation, in people, and in our industry’s infrastructure will show returns.
The challenges are real, but so is our capacity to meet them. With stable grower numbers, increasing hectares, promising new talent coming through, and continued investment in the fundamentals, we’re building the foundation for a stronger future.
I hope you will find time to relax with family and friends over the holiday season. And here’s to good growing and better margins in 2026!
Kate Trufitt
Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive