Maori taewa growers in New Zealand are exploring options for marketing their unique potato domestically and internationally.
Research has been under way for five years to assess the commercial potential of the many varieties of taewa. Horticulture officials are trying to give the growers opportunities to build networks with the wider horticultural industry.
Massey University has gathered a seed bank to store and protect the different varieties, many of which are quite rare and grown in small pockets in the country.
Since the project began, the Maoris have recognized there are potential markets for the brightly colored potatoes. They have started growing them on a small commercial basis.
The restaurant trade is particularly interested in the purple variety, along with the organic market.