Youth Council Update – Catherine James

Youth Council member Catherine James reports about activities she has been up to.

Recently, I have had the opportunity, through the Potatoes NZ Youth Council, to get more involved across the wider vegetable industry. I attended the Vegetables Research Roadshow in Pukekohe with the other North Island Youth Councillors, Molly Green and Jamie Wells. It was a great turnout, with more than 80 people. It provided an opportunity to connect with people across the industry and hear more about what is currently front of mind.

One of the most interesting parts of the roadshow for me was hearing from Paula Lleras about the research work Potatoes New Zealand is involved in. There is a lot happening in areas like fertiliser management and refining tools such as the Sustainable Vegetable Systems decision tool, as well as pest and disease challenges such as potato tuber moth and maintaining mound integrity. It really highlighted how much effort is going into investigating and developing tools to support growers through the issues and challenges they are currently facing.

Alongside attending events like this, in my role as Research Coordinator for NZVeg, I recently had the opportunity to speak to the Potatoes New Zealand Board about agrichemicals at risk. A key part of that discussion focused on how we can better identify agrichemicals that are at risk and understand the potential impacts this could have on crop protection programmes. If high-risk agrichemicals can be identified early, particularly those that would have a significant impact if lost, there is an opportunity to better prioritise R&D to develop alternatives, while also working with regulatory bodies to help guide where effort and resources are most needed. The day then finished with a walk around Te Ahikawariki: VICE, showcasing the research and innovation taking place on farm.

Looking ahead, I am keen to keep building on these kinds of opportunities, particularly by staying connected with growers and industry stakeholders and ensuring younger voices are part of these conversations. Being part of the Youth Council has given me the chance to engage more broadly across the sector, and I am grateful for the opportunities it provides. Events like the Young Grower of the Year competition in the Pukekohe region on Friday 15 May are a great example of this, and I am looking forward to attending and supporting the growers competing this year. There is still a lot to learn, but also a real opportunity to contribute in a practical way.

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