Two New Associate Members – Leicesters and Heat & Control
PNZ is proud to announce two new Associate Members, Leicesters Soil Fumigation Services and Heat and Control. Leicesters is a distributor and applicator of soil disinfestation products, with a focus on fresh fruit and vegetables. Click here to find out more about their services. Heat and Control is a world-leading equipment manufacturer for processing, product handling, packaging, and inspection. Click here to find our more about them.
2018 People’s Choice Best Chips Competition – Last Two Weeks to Vote
Over 1500 people have voted for their favourite Chip Shop. Make sure you vote. The winner and the top 15 stores will be announced in Auckland on the 20th September at the inaugural Chip Fest – a celebration of a deep fried chips. If you would like to attend contact Xngr@gurpuvctebhc.pb.am or Ph 022 066 8711.
Click here to vote for your favourite Chip Shop.
Potatoes New Zealand Inc Annual General Meeting
The AGM was held at 12:30 pm, Wednesday 8th August 2018 in the Fitzgerald Room, Plant and Food Research, Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre, Gerald Street, Lincoln. The AGM was well attended and the Annual Report is now available to download. Click Here
For those unable to attend here is an overview. Click here.
Research & Development Updates
We had a great turnout at the Agronomists Forum at Plant & Food with 19 speakers and over 70 people attending from throughout New Zealand. For those of you who didn’t attend below are some updates from Forum.
Psyllid Research Update – Reduced Insecticide Trial & Monitoring Programme
The impact of seed and soil health on potato productivity SFF Project Report
International Research Updates
The following research update is from work being undertaken in the UK on Late Blight (Phytophera infestans) resistance breeding.
Taking steps towards long-term late blight resistance
North Dakota State University – University of Minnesota Potato Extension Agronomist Andy Robinson has a wealth of potato information he calls “Spudology” available on the web. Check out the NDSU Potato Extension website for information on research, pest and disease, potato education and much, much more. An example of the wealth of information Andy is creating is this useful nutrient guide. Handy hint: when reading 2 pounds per acre simply think 2 kgs per hectare.
Heath & Safety Workshops
Over 100 people attended the Health & Safety workshops as well as representatives from Worksafe, Gimme and Landpower. Seven potato harvesters were evaluated and useful discussions were had on harvester safety standards.
If you missed out attending or have any feedback or questions please contact Whfgvar.pebsg@cbgngbrfam.pb.am or ph 0800 399 674.
Weights & Measures Compliance – Don’t Shortchange the Consumer
PNZ regularly receives complaints from consumers who are upset at weights of spuds not true to the label. United Fresh has published a useful guide and checklist for complying with weights and measure for fresh produce. The guide is aimed at helping growers, packers, wholesalers and retailers by providing them with practical tips on how to meet the legal requirements under the Weights and Measures Act 1987.
Click here to download
International Market Updates – Drought Impact felt In Europe
The impact of the drought in Europe is becoming significant with spot market prices at record highs and reports of shortages for processors Europe
The chips are down in Belgium as heatwave hits supply of frites
The drought leads to tension between potato farmers and processors
Drought threat to EU processors
Potato growers propose pan-European approach to resolve contract issues with processors
Export Statistics
Exports of Frozen Fries have shown significant gains this year with an increase of 30% in value and volume. The Chinese market has seen a significant increase. Click here to read an update on the strong demand for export of fries to Australia. Fresh export values remain firm to Fiji.
- Fresh potato export report week 34, 2018
- Fresh potato export report week 33, 2018
- Fresh potato export report week 32, 2018
- Fresh potato export report week 31, 2018
- Processed potato export summary – July 2018
- Processed potato export summary – May 2018
In the Media
Potato Chat: Local and lovely: we can’t take local spuds for granted by Niki Bezzant
Sharing the #Spudlove via Social Media by Kate Underwood
Chip Group more relevant than ever by Kate Underwood
PNZ Social Media Links
Over 7,000 people and organisations now follow us on social media to keep up with the latest New Zealand and international potato news. Send us your news and events so we can publish them via our social media channels.
- Instagram – Potatoes_NZ
- Facebook – Potatoes NZ
- Facebook – The Chip Group
- Twitter – Potatoes NZ
- Twitter – Chris Claridge