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

High commodity prices, farmer optimism bode well for event

The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

National

Massive bounce back

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith, says the growth in the kiwifruit sector is a massive bounce back.

$8b export milestone

Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have…

Machinery & Products

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…

NH unveils specialty tractor

New Holland recently showcased its new-generation T4.120 F specialty tractor, giving New Zealand customers a closer look at the winner…

Combining track and tyre

While the last fifty years has seen massive evolution and development of the humble tractor tyre, the last two decades…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sacrificed?

OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter