The mighty spud might have soon have a new friend helping it in the field - a science research partnership could spring up.
The Foundation for Arable Research (Far) and Potatoes New Zealand, the body that represents potato growers, are in negotiations to see whether they could work together on research.
The foundation normally concentrates on researching grains and seed production, but Potatoes New Zealand chairperson Stuart Wright says there's a significant crossover with many potato growers who also grow grains.
Mr Wright says the industry is also interested in working with the foundation on generic issues related to soils, water and resource management - issues that affect all growers.
If the partnership eventuates, he says, Potatoes New Zealand could get more bang for its buck when it comes to research and development spending.
Far chief executive Nick Pyke also says the two groups, while different, have a lot in common: they're both trying to grow crops while dealing with weeds, pests and diseases.
He says there are so many synergies it seemed logical for them to work as closely as possible.
