Tuesday, 13 February 2024 08:25

Spud boss digging into her role

Written by  Staff Reporters
Kate Trufitt is six months into her role as Potatoes New Zealand chief executive. Kate Trufitt is six months into her role as Potatoes New Zealand chief executive.

Six months into the Potatoes New Zealand chief executive role and Kate Trufitt has embraced the challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm.

With a wealth of experience in the horticulture industry spanning over 20 plus years, Trufitt is making her mark in the horticulture industry. She has travelled the length and breadth of New Zealand engaging with growers and industry partners.

"This opportunity has allowed me to really utilise all my expertise and expertise developed over time," she says.

"Working with industry it is clear that Potatoes New Zealand needs to really drive the industry strategy with guidance from our board and for the benefit of our growers."

Trufitt adds that she is encouraged by what the future holds and the direction New Zealand's potato industry is heading.

Heading up a team of six experienced staff, Trufitt says she is committed to listening, enabling and promoting better outcomes for the New Zealand potato industry.

As the focus for the Potatoes New Zealand team shifts to the year ahead, one of their primary goals includes garnering member support for the levy order.

There is also presenting the finalised strategy and business plans to propel the industry in the right direction.

With the levy order vote scheduled for April - May 2024, Trufitt and her team are rallying grower members to actively participate in shaping the future of New Zealand's potato industry.

Trufitt is optimistic about the vision for the NZ potato sector: 'End to End Value Creation'.

She adds that there will be no resting for the Potatoes New Zealand team as in the coming months they will be working towards the industry's objectives.

More like this

Spud growers seek fair returns

Regulation changes, future proofing the industry and ensuring fair returns are some of the challenges facing potato growers, according to Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Kate Trufitt.

Featured

NZ household food waste falls again

Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.

Editorial: No joking matter

OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A step too far

OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…

Save us from SAFE

OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter