Potatoes New Zealand has established a Youth Council to encourage greater involvement of younger people in industry representation. Growers indicated the importance of bringing new perspectives and fresh energy into governance and sector leadership.
The Youth Council was formed earlier this year following a call for nominations. The council is made up of seven members representing potato and seed potato growers, researchers, and suppliers from both the North and South Islands. Jamie Wells of Balle Bros chaired the first six months, with Amber Davy from Eurogrow Potatoes now chairing for the following year.
© Potatoes NZ
Members have been engaging with students at Massey and Lincoln universities, acting as ambassadors for the potato industry. The council has also highlighted the potential of events such as the Young Grower of the Year competition to introduce more young people to horticulture, noting the need to involve secondary and tertiary students who may not have family ties to the sector.
The council has also focused on innovation. In July, members visited Te Ahikawariki's demonstration farm in Pukekohe, where they learned about Sustainable Vegetable Systems nitrogen management trials, BioScout spore detection technology, smart trapping for Potato Tuber Moth monitoring, and soil health research using Slake tests. Council members see their role in championing the adoption of new research and technology on farms.
Potatoes New Zealand is also working with Te Ahikawariki on a vegetable workforce development programme. The Youth Council is contributing to identifying training pathways for new entrants, with an emphasis on applied technology and innovation.
The council also serves as a network for young people within the industry to support each other. Potatoes New Zealand said the range of careers available across the potato sector is broad, and the Youth Council will continue working to make these opportunities visible to the next generation of growers.
© Potatoes NZFor more information:
Potatoes New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0) 800 399 674
Email: [email protected]
www.potatoesnz.co.nz
