Storage technology continues to advance rapidly overseas, with growers investing in increasingly sophisticated systems to improve quality and consistency. Globally storage is becoming a core part of the production system, with a strong focus on climate control, airflow, and maintaining product quality over longer periods. While storage duration across the New Zealand potato industry can…
Agronomist James Blair grew up on a United Kingdom dairy farm and says working in the potato growing industry has some similarities to working with livestock. “People often say that potatoes are the most similar crop to livestock farming because you have to be constantly checking and are very aware of how much you are…
New Zealanders are set to buy more than 57,000 tonnes of potatoes this year, underlining the crop’s enduring place on Kiwi dinner tables as Potatoes New Zealand marks International Day of Potato on 30 May. The day shines a spotlight on the potato’s contribution to food security, nutrition and livelihoods and on the growers who…
Potatoes New Zealand is delighted to announce a new partnership with Garden to Table on the International Day of Potato — celebrating one of the world’s most important and versatile foods, and the people behind it. This collaboration brings together two organisations committed to strengthening food education, inspiring healthier, nutritious eating, and connecting New Zealanders…
As we head into halfway through the year and into the winter season, harvest is wrapping up in many regions and the focus is shifting to storage and delivering a quality crop to your customers. It is a busy time balancing the season just gone with planning ahead for the next, for those heading to…
For the month of May, our industry has an opportunity to pause and reflect on a crop we all know carries immense value — the potato — and, importantly, the growers who produce it. On 30 May, Potatoes New Zealand will join producers around the world in recognising International Day of Potato, an official United…
May is a great opportunity for us to promote the humble potato through International Day of the Potato on Saturday 30 May. Throughout the month, Potatoes New Zealand will be sharing a range of potato focused content, including daily recipe inspiration, highlighting the versatility and everyday value of potatoes in Kiwi kitchens. We are also…
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…
When young people discover the potato industry, they are often surprised by its incredibly diverse range of challenging and rewarding career pathways. The Potatoes New Zealand Youth Council is doing a great job to land that message and support the next generation to succeed. Workforce development is a key focus for Potatoes New Zealand. It’s…
As daylight saving ends and the shorter days settle in, April marks a key shift for potato growers. Cooler nights and reduced daylight start to influence crop growth, harvest timing, and disease pressure, making it a good moment to reassess paddocks and plan the next steps. We know this time of year can bring both…