Tasmanian potato industry comes together to outline key priorities

Growers and members of Tasmania’s potato industry came together during a series of regional workshops to identify the key priorities that will help shape the future of one of the state’s most important agricultural sectors.

The workshops, held across Tasmania’s major potato-growing regions during an industry engagement week, formed a key part of the development of the Tasmanian Potato Industry Roadmap. 

Designed to capture industry perspectives, identify shared priorities and ensure the Roadmap reflects the experiences and aspirations of those working throughout the potato value chain, the resulting actions are expected to strengthen the state's potato industry over the next five years.

Potatoes Tasmania general manager Robert Salmon said the workshops revealed strong alignment across the industry on both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“It was encouraging to see the level of engagement across the state and the consistency of the feedback,” he said.

“While every region has its own circumstances and nuance, there was strong agreement on the need to continue improving productivity, strengthen collaboration across the industry, invest in innovation and skills, and ensure the sector remains profitable, resilient and attractive for future generations.”

Workshops were held in Smithton, Forthside, Devonport, Bothwell, Longford and Scottsdale, bringing together growers, processors, service providers, researchers and other stakeholders. Discussions covered topics including productivity, sustainability, biosecurity, workforce capability, research and extension, water and irrigation, innovation, industry collaboration and market opportunities.

An online survey remains open, which enables those unable to attend a workshop to contribute their views (go to https://tinyurl.com/bdh82u4)

Mr Salmon said that the workshops and survey have provided one of the most comprehensive snapshots of industry priorities undertaken in recent years.

“The Roadmap is intended to be practical and action-oriented,” Mr Salmon said.

“The message from industry was clear. Growers and businesses are looking for practical initiatives that deliver real value, improve productivity and build long-term confidence in the Tasmanian potato industry. The Roadmap will help focus our collective effort on the areas that matter most.”

The feedback received during the engagement process will now be analysed and incorporated into the draft Roadmap, before being finalised later this year.