Potatoes New Zealand connects with various women in the industry as part of International Women’s Day and International Year of the Woman Farmer to discover the amazing work they do in the sector.
Name: Marcia Taylor
Company: Sprout Central
What do you do in your current role?
I work within our family-owned market garden business in Canterbury where I am involved across both operational and strategic areas.
My roles include day to day operations such as harvesting produce to packing and dispatching then to more sophisticated tasks like financial management administration, packaging development and contributing to long term business direction.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy the variety and the seasonal rhythm of the industry.
The problem solving aspect especially, as no two seasons are the same, the challenge of building something sustainable year after year has taught me patience and resilience that I believe as a female in a predominantly male industry gives me satisfaction that I can also do this!
How long have you been with your organisation?
My husband and I have been growing for 28 years. My role has evolved throughout the years alongside business expansion, business changes and a move from the North Island to the South Island.
How do you find working in the potato/primary industries?
Working in the potato/primary industry is both demanding and rewarding. It requires resilience, adaptability and good judgement that reflects well for future growth.
Agriculture has traditionally been male dominated, but that is shifting as woman are increasingly visible not only in support roles but in leadership governance and strategic positions. It is encouraging to see that change and to be part of an industry that is evolving.
Have you encountered any specific challenges?
There have been times where I have needed to build confidence in spaces that were not always designed with women in mind.
Learning to trust my perspective and contribution openly has been part of that journey.
Many women in primary industries carry significant responsibility – often quietly – balancing business demands in conjunction with family and community roles.
Can you name a standout moment in your life?
One of the standout aspects of my life has been raising my family alongside building our business.
I am especially proud of raising my daughters within the industry – showing them that women also belong here, whether in the paddock, the office or the boardroom.
Seeing them grow into the strong confident and independent women that they are means a great deal for me.
What does your organisation do for inclusion and diversity?
As a family business, we value contribution and work ethic over title. We are a female dominated work force which works well for us. #girlpower
Who inspires you?
I am so lucky to be surrounded by resilient women who quietly lead with strength and integrity. Women who have balanced business, farming and family without needing recognition
I especially admire my mother in-law, Jean Taylor, she has been someone I have looked to over the years. Her presence and contribution to our industry has helped paved the way. Her example has shaped how I approach business and family life.
I am so deeply proud of my daughters growing up within the industry. It has shaped their work ethic, resilience and capability. Seeing the way they show up with strength, responsibility and confidence is something I value enormously.
It reminds me that the environment we create today influences the women they will become tomorrow.
What do you wish you had known before you started in your profession?
I wish I understood earlier that my opinion and perspective held value. Confidence grows overtime, but believing that your voice matters from the beginning is something I would pass on to my younger self.
What would you tell other women interested in working in the potato industry?
There is plenty of space for you here. Primary industries need thoughtful decision-makers, problem-solvers and leaders. Back yourself, stay curious, push boundaries and know that your contribution matters
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. #AccelerateAction
Find out more www.internationalwomensday.com
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The Year will spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. IYWF 2026 will raise awareness and promote actions to close the gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.
Find out more www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/en