Vegetable Industry To Showcase Highlights New Zealand's Growing Future at Parliament

The Vegetable Industry Showcase, hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Todd McClay, and organised by the Potatoes New Zealand and New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg), will bring growers and industry leaders together with decision makers to highlight the importance of a strong, sustainable vegetable sector for all New Zealanders.

New Zealand grown vegetables play a central role in both the nation’s diet and its economic success.

Vegetable growers produce more than 1.2 million tonnes of vegetables every year, generating $1.1 billion in farmgate returns, and employing around 9,600 people across the country.

The showcase will highlight a shared commitment to building a sector that is resilient, innovative, and ready for the future, with growers focused on continuing to provide affordable, healthy food for New Zealanders every day.

Central to this vision are five key areas where continued partnership between industry and government will unlock growth and long term confidence:

• Practical resource management settings that support crop rotation, sustainable land use, and continued access to productive growing areas
• Timely access to modern crop protection tools to ensure high quality, reliable vegetable production
• Energy certainty to support greenhouse growing, processing, storage, and year-round supply
• Confidence to invest through clear, workable regulations and long term certainty
• Increasing vegetable consumption, supporting the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders and strengthening domestic demand

Together, these areas create a strong platform for growth, enabling growers to innovate, invest, and continue delivering for New Zealand.

Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive Kate Trufitt said the showcase was a celebration of both the people behind the industry and the opportunities ahead.

“New Zealand’s growers are passionate, forward thinking, and deeply committed to producing food that supports the health of our communities. With the right settings in place, there is a real opportunity to build on that strength and ensure the sector continues to thrive for generations to come.”

NZVeg Board Director and grower, John Murphy reinforced the importance of collaboration across industry and government to support a sector that is critical to the country’s future.

“A strong vegetable industry is a national asset. By working together, we can create an environment that supports sustainable production, strengthens regional economies, and ensures fresh, healthy vegetables remain accessible and affordable for every New Zealander.”