At Potatoes New Zealand we’ve been listening closely to what matters most to our growers – and one message came through loud and clear: the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in industry representation. Growers told us they see real value in bringing fresh energy and new perspectives into governance roles and industry body work.
They want to see the next generation stepping up, contributing their ideas and helping shape the future of our sector. It’s about creating a sustainable and resilient industry, where experience is passed on, leadership is nurtured, and young people feel empowered to have a seat at the table.
Hence the Potatoes New Zealand Youth Council was established earlier this year.
Our call for nominations produced a great response. I’m proud to see the diverse make-up of the council, representing potato and seed potato growers, researchers and suppliers, across both North and South Island operations. Thank you to all seven council members for their contribution so far. It’s inspiring to see these young leaders dedicate their time to support the future industry.
Jamie Wells, a Balle Bros grower, chaired the council’s first half year. Amber Davy from Eurogrow Potatoes has taken over the reins as Youth Council chair for the next year’s rotation.
Increasing engagement
Members of the Youth Council have been out and about speaking to students at Massey and Lincoln universities as ambassadors of our industry. However, there’s a lot more we can do to communicate with young people.
Events like the Young Grower of the Year competition are a fantastic way to introduce young people
to horticulture. Some of the Youth Council have themselves been contestants. However, are we doing enough to showcase our successful young growers as fantastic role models? The council would like to see more students come along to these events – to get a look at the skills involved and have a go themselves.
It would be great to welcome more secondary school and tertiary students, particularly those without a family connection to growing, who may not have considered horticulture as a career yet.
Let’s make a career in potatoes a chosen pathway, rather than one that young people only discover by chance.
Innovation leadership
As the next generation of growers, the Youth Council is looking ahead at the innovative technology and cultural practices on the horizon.
In late July, the council was hosted at Te Ahikawariki’s demonstration farm in Pukekohe. They learned more about the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) Tool nitrogen management trials, BioScout spore detection technology, smart trapping demonstrations for Potato Tuber Moth monitoring in-field, and soil health research focusing on soil aggregate stability using Slake tests.
By connecting with innovative research efforts, the council members can champion uptake on our farms and increase awareness of practical applications of science in crop management. They encourage us all to embrace change, so we can create a sustainable and productive future for the next generation of growers.
Workforce development
Potatoes New Zealand is working with Te Ahikawariki to align on a new vegetable workforce development programme. The Youth Council is helping to identify pathways for upskilling new entrants to the industry – particularly for the skills that will be increasingly required in the future, for example in applied technology and innovation.
The council is also a sounding board for all young people in the potato industry to support and encourage one another.
The potato industry offers an incredibly diverse range of challenging and rewarding careers for young people across the board. We are beginning to really land that message thanks to the leadership of the Youth Council. Keep up the good work!
Kate Trufitt
Potatoes New Zealand CEO