James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower of the Year
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
He says the organisation has evolved into an advocate and guardian for the sector and all its players, including growers and processors.
Bhana is a director of Hira Bhana and company, a family business involved in growing vegetables for over 60 years. He served on grower bodies for 23 years before retiring two years ago from Potatoes NZ as deputy chair.
Potatoes NZ was incorporated on April 17, 2012, and is celebrating its birthday with a series of events this week.
New Zealand has about 150 registered potato growers, producing the crop on over 10,000ha. Bhana says Potatoes NZ plays an important role in the sector.
“What began as a collective effort to represent growers has grown into a national voice championing potatoes in all forms and practical advocacy for the industry as a whole,” he told Rural News.
“They work on our behalf on R&D and help us tackle the challenges of pests and diseases.
“They are part and parcel of what we do.”
Kate Trufitt, chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand, says this birthday comes at a time when many growers are under real pressure.
Input costs remain high, markets are tight, and uncertainty continues to weigh heavily across the sector, she says.
“While it’s important to acknowledge how far we’ve come as an organisation, our focus is firmly on supporting growers through the challenges they are facing right now — with practical tools, strong advocacy, and science-based solutions that help build resilience for the future.”
Trufitt says that as Potatoes New Zealand marks this milestone, it acknowledges the generations of growers, industry partners, researchers, and supporters who have shaped the sector through both good seasons and difficult ones.
Their resilience and commitment continue to underpin the strength of the industry today, she adds.
Looking ahead, Potatoes New Zealand remains focused on building a resilient, sustainable, and viable future for growers.
"Our commitment is unwavering: to champion the industry, to advocate strongly during tough market conditions, and to work alongside growers to ensure the long-term strength of New Zealand's potato sector," says Trufitt.
