Horowhenua potato farmer Mike Moleta will be a happier grower following the signing of a biosecurity partnership between the potato industry and government.
Potatoes New Zealand became the 13th industry partner to join the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership at a signing last week which took place in one of Moleta's potato fields.
A staple of the Kiwi diet and one of the most popular vegetables in New Zealand, potatoes have been under the threat of an introduced tomato/potato psyllid, small plant-feeding insects native to North America, since it was first discovered in New Zealand in 2006 and is still spreading.
Moleta said the psyllid had proven how vulnerable the potato industry is to new pests.
"The psyllid had a huge cost to growers' businesses and that is something we want to avoid going forward.
"This partnership makes us feel more prepared," he said.
The GIA agreement, signed by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, focuses on preparedness and response when a bio-security incursion does occur.
"It's very pleasing to have Potatoes New Zealand working with the Ministry and other industry partners on biosecurity," said Mr Guy.
"As a major employer, agriculture is important to Horowhenua, and most producers are on board with the GIA.
"It means we can work together on managing and responding to the most important risks like tomato-potato psyllid."
He said biosecurity is a shared responsibility, needing everyone working together, sharing their expertise and experience.
The potato industry is worth $142 million at the farm gate and is a staple grocery item, generating $500 million.