As we move into the heart of winter, the potato sector continues to show resilience and innovation despite the challenges the season brings. July marks a busy and exciting period for Potatoes New Zealand, with momentum building toward our 2025 Conference, and continued work on industry priorities.
Make sure you register for the must attend Potatoes Conference held at the Christchurch Town Hall in August. There are also a few sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available so get in quick!
Whether you’re in the paddock, the packhouse, or the boardroom, there’s something in this newsletter for you.
Potatoes Conference – Why you need to be there!
The Potato Conference 2025 is your opportunity to be at the heart of innovation, growth, and collaboration in Aotearoa’s potato industry. Whether you’re a grower, processor, researcher, or supplier, this event is designed to offer maximum value and future-focused insight.
Here’s why you need to be there:
- Professional Development
Expand your knowledge with expert-led presentations, engaging panel, and informative sessions. You’ll leave with practical takeaways to apply directly to your business or role. - Connect with Industry Leaders
Network with growers, researchers, policy makers, and business leaders who are shaping the future of our industry. It’s a rare chance to meet the right people all in one place. - Innovation & Research Front and Centre
Get up-to-date on the latest advancements in growing and technology – including regenerative practices, industry insights, and agritech developments. - Interactive Sessions & Demos
From fast-paced tech showcases to a thought-provoking panel discussion, the conference is packed with opportunities to hear fresh perspectives, to see solutions in action and to find out what the future may hold.
This is more than a conference – it’s a catalyst for the next chapter in New Zealand’s potato story.
Secure your Spot: Conference Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Open!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the premier event for Aotearoa’s potato industry. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available for the Potato Conference 2025.
This is your opportunity to connect face-to-face with growers, industry leaders, researchers, and key decision-makers from across New Zealand and beyond.
By getting involved, you’ll:
- Position your brand at the heart of innovation and progress
- Build meaningful relationships with the people who matter
- Showcase your products, services, and ideas to an engaged and forward-looking audience
Shaping the future of the industry and put your business where the momentum is.
Potato Industry Awards – Last chance to nominate!
The Potato Industry Awards are a standout moment of the conference — celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership across our sector. It’s our chance to recognise and honour the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to grow, strengthen, and advance Aotearoa’s potato industry.
WEBINAR: Grow Your Cyber Resilience – Register Now!
Protect Yourself and Your Business in a Digital World
Cyber threats are growing — and no one is immune. Whether you’re running a business, working in the industry, or managing your personal devices, your digital safety is at risk.
That’s why Potatoes New Zealand has partnered with the National Cyber Security Centre to create this essential webinar — tailored for our industry, but relevant to everyone.
You’ll gain expert advice, real-world examples, and practical steps to protect yourself, your devices, and your livelihood from cyber attacks.
Why attend?
✔️ Learn how to avoid being an easy target
✔️ Understand the latest threats — and how to stay ahead
✔️ Strengthen your defences with simple, effective tips
✔️ Be part of a more secure, cyber-savvy industry
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Join us and take control of your digital safety.
Inside the Latest Potato Research and Development
To stay ahead in a landscape shaped by environmental regulation, emerging pests, and shifting consumer demands, Potatoes New Zealand continues to invest in a robust Research, Development and Extension programme. Focusing on supporting growers by reducing production challenges, increasing yields, and ensuring the sector remains competitive.
PotatoLink Research and Development Forum 2025
The PotatoLink R&D forum brought together growers, agronomists, researchers, and industry partners from across the potato supply chain for a focused discussion on the latest research, development, and innovation. Held in Brisbane on 4 June and showcased Australian potato levy-funded projects. It highlighted practical outcomes and insights that support real-world adoption on-farm.
New Associate Member: Fairbanks Seeds
We’re pleased to welcome Fairbanks Seeds as an Associate Member of Potatoes New Zealand.
With a reputation for delivering high-quality seed and horticultural solutions, Fairbanks Seeds brings valuable expertise and innovation to our industry.
We look forward to working together to support the growth and success of New Zealand’s potato sector.
Young Grower of the Year
The search for New Zealand’s top young grower is heating up, with only two regional events left before the highly anticipated Young Grower of the Year National Final in October.
This competition showcases the talent, knowledge, and leadership potential of the next generation in horticulture. Across the country, young growers have been stepping up to demonstrate their skills in everything from practical growing tasks to innovation, business acumen, and public speaking.
We’re proud to support and celebrate the emerging leaders who will help shape the future of our industry.
Don’t miss the final two regional events – and keep an eye out for the national final, where regional winners will go head-to-head for the prestigious title of Young Grower of the Year 2025.
Let’s get behind these passionate young professionals and cheer them on as they grow their careers – and our industry.
- Canterbury: 10 July
- Gisborne: 17 July
- National Final: 10-11 September
Ministry for Primary Industries released Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries Report
The Ministry for Primary Industries – Economic Intelligence Unit releases a Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report.
This report looks at the performance of New Zealand’s main primary sectors and forecasts how they’ll perform over the next 2 to 5 years.
Robots in Potato Farming
Robots are helping potato growers tackle some of their most pressing challenges — labor shortages, rising input costs, and the need for higher yields. With automation, many repetitive and labour-heavy tasks like planting, spraying, and harvesting can now be done faster, more accurately, and with less human input.
In Memory of Alan Wilcox
Potatoes New Zealand extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Alan Wilcox.
Alan made a valued contribution to the New Zealand potato industry over many years. His knowledge, commitment, and good character left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
We acknowledge his service and the legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
Ngā mihi aroha,
The Potatoes New Zealand Team
Farmstrong Toolbox Tips
When you’re feeling stressed out, your breathing patterns can become short and shallow, keeping your nervous system stuck in a high state of alert and starving your brain of the oxygen you need to stay calm and think clearly.
Farmstrong suggests a simple deep-breathing technique like ‘box breathing’, which is proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels in high pressure situations.
Share your story and help others with Farmstrong
The value of our mental health, particularly our management of stress and maintenance of resilience, are absolutely critical to successfully navigate the challenges we face on a daily basis.
If you have a story to share that may help others, Farmstrong is developing a horticulture focused book of stories from growers and for growers. Please reach out to a Potatoes New Zealand team member and we will connect you with a Farmstrong contact.
Events
Horticulture Conference 2025
Registrations open for the 2025 Horticulture Conference and RSE Conference.
Held in Wellington on 26-27 August – Save the date now so you are ready for when tickets open!
Find out more and register >>
View the events calendar
Find out about the horticulture industry events and activities that are currently happening.
NIWA National Weather Outlook
NIWA outlook for rain
NIWA outlook for dryness/drought
NIWA seasonal forecast for next 3 months
