Overwhelming Support Ensures Continued Advocacy and Support for Potato Growers
Potato growers in New Zealand have given Potatoes New Zealand a robust mandate to represent their interests for the upcoming six-year potato levy cycle. This support was confirmed by Warwick Lampp of Electionz.com, an independent returning officer, who issued the Declaration of Result. An impressive 94.74% of growers who cast ballots were in favor of the proposed levy, representing 95.83% of the gross sales value of the most recent season. Voter turnout was notable, with 54.68% of eligible growers participating in the referendum.
These results demonstrate a significant increase in support compared to the 2018 levy referendum, where 81.69% of voters backed the proposed charge, representing 88.56% of the total gross sales value, with 41.04% of eligible growers casting ballots.
“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,” said PNZ Chair, Paul Olsen.
Potatoes New Zealand CEO Kate Trufitt also expressed gratitude towards the growers for their support and reiterated the organization’s commitment to advocating for their interests. “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,” Trufitt declared.
The potato levy, first introduced in 2012, has been crucial in financing Potatoes New Zealand’s operations. The organization has been instrumental in representing producers on international platforms, engaging with growers on critical business issues, supporting young growers, planning for industry succession, and advocating for growers in national and local government decisions.
With the recent strong mandate, Potatoes New Zealand plans to inform the Minister’s office and apply for a new levy order, ensuring continued support and representation for New Zealand’s potato growers.
