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30 August 2011
Beyond 2012 – a strategy for us, a vision for everyone
Beyond 2012 – a strategy for us, a vision for everyone
Terry Olsen, Chairman of Potatoes New Zealand, spoke at the Potatoes New Zealand 2011 conference recently announcing a proposed organisational restructure and the challenges the potato industry currently faces moving into 2012 and beyond.
Mr Olsen opened the Potatoes New Zealand conference last month officially unveiling proposed changes to the Potatoes New Zealand organisational structure in an effort to become a representative for the whole potato supply chain - including growers.
Members welcomed the proposed Beyond 2012 strategy with the belief the shift will give the potato industry a stronger voice and foundation to grow across the entire supply chain.
If you have any questions around the proposed Beyond 2012 strategy or levy increase, please contact a local Potatoes New Zealand board member to voice your concerns.
For more information on Beyond 2012, please download the Beyond 2012 factsheet here.
Background to the proposal
The Beyond 2012 proposal comes at a time when New Zealand’s potato industry is facing one of the biggest biosecurity threats in New Zealand’s history.
Mr Olsen explained how Potatoes New Zealand has played a central role alongside growers and industry partners to develop and fund comprehensive research to reduce the economic burden of the potato psyllid.
Last year Potatoes New Zealand initiated a voluntary contribution of one dollar per tonne harvested or sold each quarter, to fund the psyllid research programme.
This generated very positive results across the entire industry, but the Potatoes New Zealand board is uncertain it will get the same response again this year.
Therefore Potatoes New Zealand is looking to increase its commodity levy at the referendum next year, from zero point seven five per cent to one per cent, to help achieve the funding that is needed to support the industry.
This increase will allow Potatoes New Zealand to fund greater investment in Research and Development, generic potato marketing, seed certification improvements, leadership and training.
Over the past six months the Potatoes New Zealand board has formed a group comprising of growers and experienced industry partners to look at the possible structure and funding model for a new organisation.
That group consists of Mr Olsen, fellow Potatoes New Zealand directors Kevin Balle and Todd Hughes, grower Dean Pye and processor representatives Jon Davison and John Jackson.
Mr Olsen assured members that Potatoes New Zealand will remain strong, in control, cost effective and will, above all, always have members’ interests at heart.
Over the coming months, Potatoes New Zealand board members will be travelling around the country visiting growers and industry partners conducting meetings to discuss the Beyond 2012 strategy.
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