Farmers Show Overwhelming Support for Continued Representation and Advocacy
Potato farmers have granted Potatoes New Zealand a robust mandate to represent their interests for the next six-year potato levy cycle. Warwick Lampp of Electionz.com, an independent returning officer, announced the results, revealing that 94.74% of voting growers supported the proposed levy. This represents 95.83% of the gross sales value from the past season. Voter turnout was 54.68% of eligible growers.
These results show a significant increase in support compared to the 2018 levy referendum, where 81.69% of voters approved the levy, equivalent to 88.56% of the total gross sales value, with 41.04% voter participation.
Paul Olsen, Chair of Potatoes New Zealand (PNZ), commented on the outcome: “This great result reflects the work that Potatoes New Zealand has delivered and will continue to deliver for growers. It is especially pleasing to see that potato growers have their say in shaping the future of the potato industry. The potato industry has experienced various challenges, including increased regulations and pressure across the whole supply chain. But the future is promising, and Potatoes New Zealand will be there to make sure that growers’ interests remain the top priority.”
Kate Trufitt, CEO of Potatoes New Zealand, expressed gratitude for the growers’ support: “Our organization is primarily focused on the interests of growers, and ensuring they are receiving maximum benefit from the industry structure. I encourage all growers to continue to contact us to make sure that our organization is focusing on issues important to them.”
Since the initial decision to impose a levy on potatoes in 2012, Potatoes New Zealand has worked diligently to represent producers in international forums, communicate crucial matters to growers, support young growers, plan for industry succession, and advocate for growers in both national and local government decision-making.
A recent press release from Potatoes New Zealand stated: “Potatoes New Zealand will inform the Minister’s office and will apply for a new levy order.”
