In New Zealand, the potato sector is actively enhancing genetic resources to boost productivity and quality. The Ministry for Primary Industries collaborates with the Scientific Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) under an Offshore Accreditation Agreement. This permits the importation of potato varieties in tissue culture without post-entry quarantine, streamlining the process for companies like Eurogrow and Alex McDonalds to bring in European varieties.
Importing new potato varieties is a lengthy and costly endeavor, taking over six years from initial trials to commercial availability. Only a fraction of imported varieties reach the market. New varieties are evaluated for compatibility with New Zealand's climate and market needs.
Post-import, varieties undergo multiplication at Potatoes New Zealand Accredited tissue culture labs, followed by minituber production at accredited facilities. These steps precede entry into the New Zealand Certified Seed Potato Scheme, managed by Potatoes New Zealand. The scheme's committee includes representatives from seed growers, commercial growers, seed companies, and processing firms, ensuring comprehensive oversight.
The scheme aligns with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Seed Certification standards, facilitating international trade. New Zealand has been a UNECE member since 2014, contributing to standard development. The UNECE seed potato committee addresses global challenges, such as pest threats and emerging technologies like True Potato Seed, which could alter current vegetative propagation methods.
Source: Potatoes NZ
