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Potatoes NZ chief executive Chris Claridge.
The New Zealand potato Industry remains a billion dollar plus industry, despite the challenges brought about in 2020.
The total value of the NZ potato industry now sits at $1.16 billion, a 58% growth rate since targets were set in 2013.
Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Chris Claridge says the result shows the immense value of the processing sector.
“55% of our locally grown potatoes produce fries and another 12% produce crisps. A strong domestic market for NZ processed potatoes underpins our industry and maintains our growers’ resilience,” Claridge says.
He says the findings from the report into European dumping released by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in May 2021 are disappointing for growers and the Potatoes NZ board.
MBIE found the confirmed dumping of imported potato fries into the New Zealand market were not of material threat to the local industry, which Claridge says signals to New Zealand importers and European exporters that the New Zealand government is leaving the gate open.
“The obvious risk here is a real material threat to our domestic potato processing market and our growers,” he says.
This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.
This year, 'Foodie February' sees potatoes take the spotlight as one of New Zealand's most powerful and versatile food heroes.
New Zealand potato growers are prioritising value creation from high yields to meet a complex mix of challenges and opportunities, says Potatoes NZ chief executive Kate Trufitt.
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