Potatoes New Zealand Supports Government Move To Back Growers And Food Security

Potatoes New Zealand welcomes the Government’s recent announcements backing the horticulture sector with practical reforms aimed at boosting grower confidence, improving productivity, and ensuring a more secure food future for Aotearoa.

Chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand, Kate Trufitt, says:
“This is a step in the right direction for the vegetable industry. Policies that remove unnecessary red tape and recognise the importance of growing food for New Zealanders. The proposed changes to freshwater rules would provide for crop rotation which is vital for the sustainability of our sector.”

The Government’s proposal to streamline resource consent requirements and make vegetable growing a permitted activity is being applauded by the industry as a long-overdue move to protect the country’s ability to feed itself.

Trufitt continues: “We’re pleased to see recognition that vegetable production is essential for New Zealand’s health, economy, and long-term resilience. The potato industry alone contributes over $1 billion to the economy annually and plays a critical role in domestic food supply and export growth.”

Potatoes New Zealand also supports the Government’s intent to take a more integrated and practical approach to managing Highly Productive Land.

“True productivity relies on more than just soil quality—it includes water access, climate, labour, and proximity to market,” Trufitt adds. “When those factors are lost due to poor planning or unworkable regulations, our ability to grow food is compromised.”

Potatoes New Zealand is encouraged by the Government’s willingness to listen and act on the needs of the horticulture sector and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support growers, protect land use for food production, and ensure that New Zealanders have access to fresh, healthy food now and into the future.

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